The Metropolitan, like all of the other opera houses, do offer me every year a contract. I would specifically ask for a very fine conductor... lots of rehearsals... #MariaCallas

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

Only when I was singing did I feel loved. #MariaCallas

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. #MariaCallas

I am not an angel and do not pretend to be. That is not one of my roles. But I am not the devil either. I am a woman and a serious artist, and I would like so to be judged. #MariaCallas

Singers have to go through the same technique as instrumentals; a violinist a pianist or any instrumentalist has to learn his reading and writing. We use our body and vocal chords instead of an instrument. #MariaCallas

My Traviata has changed frequently my Norma more or less not much. #MariaCallas

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? #MariaCallas

We serve this unique art – the music most of all. It takes a lot of worry and a lot of anguish. It was left to us as a heritage and we must carry it on against all odds – even at our own health’s cost. #MariaCallas

It takes a little more time to get into the role, but not very much more. In making a record you don't have the sense of projection over a distance as in an opera house. We have this microphone and this magnifies all details of a performance, all exaggerations. #MariaCallas

I don’t like listening to myself – I don’t like the kind of voice I have. #MariaCallas

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. #MariaCallas

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. #MariaCallas

The characterization of Italian music is always a flowing movement, no matter how slow things goes, no matter how slow the rhythm. #MariaCallas

Women are not pals enough with men, so we must make ourselves indispensable. After all, we have the greatest weapon in our hands by just being women. #MariaCallas

Trills are necessary and they have to be well performed. Take Trovatore; Verdi and Donizetti used a lot of trills. They used them to express feelings so a trill is necessary as a technical skill for an interpreter. #MariaCallas

When music fails to agree to the ear, to soothe the ear and the heart and the senses, then it has missed the point. #MariaCallas

On the whole there are two people in me. I would like to be Maria, but there is the Callas that I have to live up to. #MariaCallas

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. #MariaCallas

The public is a monster and that is why I am not eager to return to the stage. #MariaCallas