Quotes from Giuseppe Verdi

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

Through care taken over trends, the desire to be novel and affectation knowledge, we repudiate our art, our instinct, our own way of doing things; it is absurd and stupid

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.

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.

You may have the universe if I may have Italy

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

A man like Verdi must write like Verdi.

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

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.

I adore art... when I am alone with my notes, my heart pounds and the tears stream from my eyes, and my emotion and my joys are too much to bear.