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

- Giuseppe Verdi

A man like Verdi must write like Verdi.

- Giuseppe Verdi

The artist must yield himself to his own inspiraton, and if he has a true talent, no one knows and feels better than he what suits him.

- Giuseppe Verdi

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…

- Giuseppe Verdi

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.

- Giuseppe Verdi

You may have the universe if I may have Italy.

- Giuseppe Verdi

It is better to invert reality than to copy it.

- Giuseppe Verdi

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.

- Giuseppe Verdi

Oh blessed a thousand times the peasant who is born, eats and dies without anybody bothering about his affairs.

- Giuseppe Verdi