Riccardo Muti

“It is extraordinary to have time to again study Le nozze di Figaro and discover new things.”

“The conductor's stand is not a continent of power, but rather an island of solitude.”

“A conductor should guide rather than command.”

“You have to be able to enthral and persuade at the same time.”

“I don't want to bother them and ruin the party they are preparing so carefully at La Scala.”

“I'm not shy in the spotlight. I might seem austere and even arrogant, but far from it, I'm actually shy.”

“Nobility of spirit has more to do with simplicity than ostentation, wisdom rather than wealth, commitment rather than ambition.”

“I have closed that page of my life without rancor. I do not disown any of the work done.”

“You have to channel the interpretation and performance into 100 people. And with the audience, the critics.”