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.
Meaning of the quote
An opera doesn't just happen on stage. It starts in the mind of the performer, becomes a part of their life, and even stays with them long after the performance is over. The musician, Maria Callas, is saying that an opera is more than just a show - it's an experience that begins before the curtain rises and continues even after the audience has gone home.
About Maria Callas
Maria Callas was a renowned 20th-century American-born Greek soprano known for her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice, and dramatic interpretations. She overcame various struggles and scandals, including wartime poverty and near-sightedness, to become one of the most influential opera singers of her time, earning the title ‘La Divina’ (The Divine One).
More quotes from Maria Callas
Don’t talk to me about rules, dear. Wherever I stay I make the goddam rules.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
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.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
First I lost my voice, then I lost my figure and then I lost Onassis.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
That is the difference between good teachers and great teachers: good teachers make the best of a pupil’s means; great teachers foresee a pupil’s ends.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
I would not kill my enemies, but I will make them get down on their knees. I will, I can, I must.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
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.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
I don’t need the money, dear. I work for art.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
Good teachers make the best of a pupil’s means; great teachers foresee a pupil’s ends.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
I cannot switch my voice. My voice is not like an elevator going up and down.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
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.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
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.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
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?
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
Love is so much better when you’re not married.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
It’s a terrible thing to go through life thinking that you have a rock on your side when you haven’t.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
I don’t know what happens to me on stage. Something else seems to take over.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
When my enemies stop hissing, I shall know I’m slipping.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
I would like to be Maria, but there is La Callas who demands that I carry myself with her dignity.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
When music fails to agree to the ear, to soothe the ear and the heart and the senses, then it has missed the point.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
I prepare myself for rehearsals like I would for marriage.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
On stage, I am in the dark.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
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.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)
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.
American-born Greek operatic soprano (1923-1977)