An unalterable and unquestioned law of the musical world required that the German text of French operas sung by Swedish artists should be translated into Italian for the clearer understanding of English-speaking audiences.

It is so difficult - at least, I find it difficult - to understand people who speak the truth.

Everything about her was both vigorous and exquisite.

True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new vision.

If only we'd stop trying to be happy, we could have a pretty good time.

Sometimes life seems like a match between oneself and one's gaolors. The gaolers, of course, are one's mistakes; and the question is, who'll hold out longest? When I think of that, life instead of being too long, seems as short as a winter day....