John Harbison is an American composer whose work is notable for its astonishing range and diversity. He has written for every conceivable type of concert performance and is also considered[…]
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Harbison’s interest in history keeps him from being fully optimistic.
Question: What is your outlook?
John Harbison: Well I think almost anyone would change between those viewpoints depending on almost the daily report; but I'm optimistic that there are so many good intentions; but I'm pessimistic because if you're as interested as I am in history, you see so many patterns recycling themselves. And there seems to be very little ability to see them coming and try to do it differently. So my pessimism comes from having the feeling that we’re in cycles that are … their potential for destructiveness has not yet played out.
Recorded On: 6/12/07
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