I deny that either singers or conductors can "create" or work creatively - this, as I have always said, is a conception that leads to the abyss.
Giuseppe VerdiThe success of our operas rests most of the time in the hands of the conductor. This person is as necessary as a tenor or a prima donna.
Giuseppe VerdiThe artist must yield himself to his own inspiration... I should compose with utter confidence a subject that set my musical blood going, even though it were condemned by all other artists as anti-musical.
Giuseppe Verdi