Franz Liszt Quotations

I conclude that the Wagnerian operas which are already in the repertoire, and other masterworks as well, stand in no further need of my services.

Oral musical traditions are rooted in assured and scrupulous faith.

The music of the Gypsies belongs in the sphere of improvisation rather than in any other, without which it would have no power to exist.

Supreme serenity still remains the Ideal of great Art. The shapes and transitory forms of life are but stages toward this Ideal, which Christ's religion illuminates with His divine light.

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

I find little in the works of Beethoven, Berlioz, Wagner and others when they are led by a conductor who functions like a windmill.

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

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

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.

The public is always good.