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An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I've left the opera house.

Maria Callas

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Maria Callas
Age: 53 †
Born: 1923
Born: December 2
Died: 1977
Died: September 16
Actor
Opera Singer
Singer
New York City
New York
La Divina
Maria Kalogeropoulou
Maria Anna Cecilia Sofia Kalogeropoulos
House
Curtains
Left
Stays
Ends
Opera
Part
Starts
Come
Begins
Long
Becomes
Life
Goes
Imagination
Curtain

More quotes by Maria Callas

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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.
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I cannot switch my voice. My voice is not like an elevator going up and down.
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There must be a law against forcing children to perform at an early age. Children should have a wonderful childhood. They should not be given too much responsibility.
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When the curtain rises, the only thing that speaks is courage.
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When music fails to agree to the ear, to soothe the ear and the heart and the senses, then it has missed the point.
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I would not kill my enemies, but I will make them get down on their knees. I will, I can, I must.
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I admire Tebaldi's tone it's beautiful - also some beautiful phrasing. Sometimes, I actually wish I had her voice.
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Don't talk to me about rules, dear. Wherever I stay I make the goddam rules.
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If I have stepped on some people at times because I am at the top, it couldn't be helped. What should I do if someone gets hurt... retire?
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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.
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Love is so much better when you are not married.
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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.
Maria Callas
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[During fee negotiations for singing in Vienna:] I'm not interested in money, but it must be more than anyone else gets.
Maria Callas
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I don't need the money, dear. I work for art.
Maria Callas
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Paris dictates fashion to the whole world.
Maria Callas
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I don't know what happens to me on stage. Something else seems to take over.
Maria Callas
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I prepare myself for rehearsals like I would for marriage.
Maria Callas
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You are born an artist or you are not. And you stay an artist, dear, even if your voice is less of a fireworks. The artist is always there.
Maria Callas
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Don't come to me with your troubles. I have to work for my money and you are young enough to work too. If you can't make enough money to live on you can jump out of the window or drown yourself.
Maria Callas
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When my enemies stop hissing, I shall know I'm slipping.
Maria Callas