Giuseppe Verdi

If I were a young man, I would write a comic opera. But I am an old man, and I have no time for such trifles.

The theater is a place where one can be oneself, or someone else, as one pleases.

I have always tried to make my music speak for itself, without the need for explanations.

I am not a revolutionary, but I am not a conservative either. I am a man of my time.

The most difficult thing in music is to write a simple melody.

I have always preferred the truth, even if it is ugly, to a beautiful lie.

I am not a man of words, but a man of notes.

The public is like a child: it wants to be amused, but it doesn't want to be taught.

I have always tried to make my music as dramatic as possible, even if it means sacrificing some musical beauty.

I am not a saint, and I am not a sinner. I am a man.

The most important thing in music is to feel what you are writing.

I have always believed that music should be a reflection of life, with all its joys and sorrows.

I am not a genius, but I am a hard worker.

The public is like a woman: it wants to be seduced, but it doesn't want to be conquered.

I have always tried to make my music as Italian as possible, even if it means sacrificing some international appeal.

I am not a philosopher, but I am a man who thinks.

I have always believed that music should be a universal language, understood by all.

I am not a politician, but I am a man who cares about his country.

The public is like a mirror: it reflects what you show it.

I have always tried to make my music as original as possible, even if it means breaking some rules.