Henry Mancini Quotes

Author Image

Henry Mancini

Profession : Composer

Birth : April 16, 1924

Writing for TV or films isn't great art. You have to have a common denominator. It's up to the composer to make that common denominator memorable.

Henry Mancini

My father was a steelworker who'd come over from Abruzzi, in Italy. He played in the band and he encouraged me to be a musician.

Henry Mancini

The man who writes for hire has an obligation, if only to himself, to keep an open mind and to absorb new ideas.

Henry Mancini

I very rarely write anything before what I see what I'm writing for.

Henry Mancini

Most people are oriented to words. When the public hears a melody, unless you put words to It, it takes longer to penetrate. It's always been like that, but I don't know why.

Henry Mancini

The basic problem with young people entering show business is that they are in a hurry.

Henry Mancini

If you want to write for films or TV, you must go to Hollywood.

Henry Mancini

In times of stress, I frequently remind myself that I'm doing what I want to do most and that's what really counts.

Henry Mancini

Blake Edwards has set up an extraordinary combination of moods in 'Peter Gunn.' When you stop to analyze it, you can't find the boundaries where the music stops and the show takes over.

Henry Mancini

When I first began to work in pictures I tried to attract the attention of film critics, but I don't make movies to please them or myself anymore. I look for material that will entertain.

Henry Mancini

I equate composing with orchestrating. I think my music in terms of an orchestra.

Henry Mancini

People love to hear a guy who is really good on his instrument. They love to watch him go.

Henry Mancini

You've got to be an editor in order to be a good composer.

Henry Mancini

I play a very streamlined piano.

Henry Mancini

I hate to do anything halfway so I leave the guitar alone.

Henry Mancini

I don't have a trunk of manuscripts.

Henry Mancini

My kids will come to me and ask me to listen to a 'new sound' they think they've discovered. One time it was the Beatles' 'Yesterday,' and the new sound was four strings. All of a sudden the new generation discovers the string quartet!

Henry Mancini

I was never In a restaurant until after I left home. My mother came from Abruzzi and they're noted for their great cooking.

Henry Mancini