It is better to invert reality than to copy it.

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.

The 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.

It is better to invert reality than to copy it.

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.

Of all composers, past and present, I am the least learned. I mean that in all seriousness, and by learning I do not mean knowledge of music.

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.