The principal task of a conductor is not to put himself in evidence but to disappear behind his functions as much as possible. We are pilots, not servants.

Quote by Franz Liszt

Topics: Franz Liszt Quotes

The music of the Gypsies belongs in the sphere of improvisation rather than in any...

The music of the Gypsies belongs in the sphere of improvisation rather than in any...

Brahms' Variations are better than mine, but mine were written before his.

Brahms' Variations are better than mine, but mine were written before his.

In Hungary all native music, in its origin, is divided naturally into melody destined for...

In Hungary all native music, in its origin, is divided naturally into melody destined for...

Inspiration is enough to give expression to the tone in singing, especially when the song...

Inspiration is enough to give expression to the tone in singing, especially when the song...

Without any assistance whatever, I founded a school in Weimar in 10 years. Only I...

Without any assistance whatever, I founded a school in Weimar in 10 years. Only I...

I did not compose my work as one might put on a church vestment... rather...

I did not compose my work as one might put on a church vestment... rather...

I conclude that the Wagnerian operas which are already in the repertoire, and other masterworks...

I conclude that the Wagnerian operas which are already in the repertoire, and other masterworks...

The public is always good.

The public is always good.

I find little in the works of Beethoven, Berlioz, Wagner and others when they are...

I find little in the works of Beethoven, Berlioz, Wagner and others when they are...

Mournful and yet grand is the destiny of the artist.

Mournful and yet grand is the destiny of the artist.

Music embodies feeling without forcing it to contend and combine with thought, as it is...

Music embodies feeling without forcing it to contend and combine with thought, as it is...

It is impossible to imagine a more complete fusion with nature than that of the...

It is impossible to imagine a more complete fusion with nature than that of the...

Broad paths are open to every endeavour, and a sympathetic recognition is assured to every...

Broad paths are open to every endeavour, and a sympathetic recognition is assured to every...

Companions, in misery and worse, that is what we all are, and to try to...

Companions, in misery and worse, that is what we all are, and to try to...

Beware of missing chances; otherwise it may be altogether too late some day.

Beware of missing chances; otherwise it may be altogether too late some day.

Sorrowful and great is the artist's destiny.

Sorrowful and great is the artist's destiny.

A theatre receives recognition through its initiative, which is indispensable for first-rate performances.

A theatre receives recognition through its initiative, which is indispensable for first-rate performances.

Life is only a long and bitter suicide, and faith alone can transform this suicide...

Life is only a long and bitter suicide, and faith alone can transform this suicide...

As the mother teaches her children how to express themselves in their language, so one...

As the mother teaches her children how to express themselves in their language, so one...

I foster a sorrowful conception of affection. Make no sacrifices.

I foster a sorrowful conception of affection. Make no sacrifices.