67 Quotes by Maria Callas

I don’t know what happens to me on stage. Something else seems to take over.

First I lost weight, then I lost my voice, and now I’ve lost Onassis.

I was always too mature for my age – and not very happy. I had no young friends. I wish I could go back to those days. If I could only live it all again, how I would play and enjoy other girls. What a fool I was.

Some say I have a beautiful voice, some say I have not. It is a matter of opinion. All I can say, those who don’t like it shouldn’t come to hear me.

I belong to the givers. I want to give a little happiness even if I haven’t had much for myself. Music has enriched my life and, hopefully – through me, a little – the public’s. If anyone left an opera house feeling more happy and at peace, I achieved my purpose.

I admire Tebaldi’s tone; it’s beautiful – also some beautiful phrasing. Sometimes, I actually wish I had her voice.

Don’t talk to me about rules, dear. Wherever I stay I make the goddam rules.

I don’t need the money, dear. I work for art.

My poor sight gives me an advantage. I can’t see the people in the audience who are scratching their heads while I am lost in my role and giving everything I have to the drama.