You may have the universe if I may have Italy.

It may be a good thing to copy reality; but to invent reality is much, much better.

Stupid criticism and still more stupid praise.

The 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.

Oh, you happy sons of the North who have been reared at the bosom of Bach, how I envy you!

The artist must yield himself to his own inspiraton, and if he has a true talent, no one knows and feels better than he what suits him.

To copy the truth can be a good thing, but to invent the truth is better, much better.