If I have stepped on some people at times because I am at the top, it couldn't be helped. What should I do if someone gets hurt... retire?

Don't come to me with your troubles. I have to work for my money and you are young enough to work too. If you can't make enough money to live on you can jump out of the window or drown yourself.

You are born an artist or you are not. And you stay an artist, dear, even if your voice is less of a fireworks. The artist is always there.

When the curtain rises, the only thing that speaks is courage.

[During fee negotiations for singing in Vienna:] I'm not interested in money, but it must be more than anyone else gets.

I prepare myself for rehearsals like I would for marriage.

I was always too mature for my age - and not very happy. I had no young friends. I wish I could go back to those days. If I could only live it all again, how I would play and enjoy other girls. What a fool I was.