In 1979 1st rate human being Cavett told Virgil Thomson on camera, “Of course you realize that you’re a third rate composer”.
Did you see that directly? Virgil Thompson was a fine composer. I find it hard to believe Cavett said that unless they were in a fight.
I wonder if this interview was the same week Brando punched out photographer Ron Galella - the tabs had a field day with that.