It is simple nonsense to speak of the fixed tempo of any particular vocal phrase. Each voice has its peculiarities.

The ability to conduct is a gift of God with which few have been endowed in full measure.

The conductor's gift does not always go hand in hand with that of composition; indeed, the union is found much more seldom than is popularly believed.

Composers are not all good conductors.

Of course, experience strengthens one later.

Conducting! A subject, truly, concerning which much might be written, yet scarcely anything of real importance is to be found in books.

I have often heard the statement made by foreign singers, as a demonstrated fact, that the German artists are artists in feeling indeed, and serious in their devotion, but that their singing is crude.