Harrison Birtwistle Places Himself

“Yes, people attack for me being this shocking radical who writes this incomprehensible music, but really I think I’m doing the same sort of thing as Beethoven. When the Queen asked me what sort of music I write, I said, ‘Like Beethoven’s’, which sounds like a joke, or arrogant, but actually it’s true. Now I suppose everyone will say I’m a terrible reactionary.”