We are similar to a museum. My function is to present old masterpieces in modern frames.

Miss Renata Tebaldi was always sweet and very firm... she had dimples of iron.

Expressions of disapproval are on a level of vulgarity that cannot be tolerated. The way to express disapproval is to do without applause.

The opera always loses money. That's as it should be. Opera has no business making money.

It is so much worse to be a mediocre artist than to be a mediocre post-office clerk.

How nice the human voice is when it isn't singing.

We want an ensemble of stars, not comets.

I will not enter into a public feud with Madame Callas, since I am well aware that she has considerably greater competence and experience at that kind of thing than I have.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain the services of first-class conductors. They are sick and tired of dealing with singers, as I am.

I never socialized with singers. It's very dangerous if you work with opera... I don't think that in 30 years a singer has entered my apartment.

I never for a moment believed they would perform at 10 o'clock in the morning. It's hard enough getting them to perform at 8 at night.

Always good to remember when you're making art. You don't have to like it, just be ready to do the next thing.

To enjoy the nectar of life, I like to kiss you like a beautiful bee kisses the flower.

With courage, confident and commitment, the dream is possible.

What is this? It's music to get a brain seizure by.

It's fun to be the guy everybody looks to.

I understand the tax code better than anybody that's ever run for president.

Sam Hellerman is a genius!

I feel my job as an actor is to explore all sides of humanity.

No one likes to be pitied for his faults.

Gone are the days when reality fed the feminist movement.