I've been buying the same lambrusco from Correggio [a town between Reggio-Emilia and Modena] since 1965.

Some say the word 'pop' is a derogatory word to say 'not important' - I do not accept that. If the word 'classic' is the word to say 'boring,' I do not accept. There is good and bad music.

If children are not introduced to music at an early age, I believe something fundamental is actually being taken from them.

The rivalry is with ourself. I try to be better than is possible. I fight against myself, not against the other.

If your body is not in shape to sing [from the diaphragm] you will push and push but keep falling back on your throat to make the sound. This will ruin your voice.

In opera, as with any performing art, to be in great demand and to command high fees you must be good of course, but you must also be famous. The two are different things.

Learning music by reading about it is like making love by mail.