Riccardo Muti

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

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

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

The moment you think you have charisma you are finished.

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

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

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

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

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

A conductor should guide rather than command.