“If my works are good and of any importance for the further development of our art, they will maintain their position in spite of all opposition on the part of critics, and in spite of all denigration of my artistic intentions. If they are worthtless, not even the most gratifying box office success or the most enthusiastic acclamation of augurs will keep them alive. Let the pulping press devour them…I shall not shed a tear over their grave.”

— Richard Strauss

On Criticism (page 21-2) (1908).
Recollections and Reflections

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Richard Strauss 31

German composer and orchestra director 1864–1949

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It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.
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n.p.
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Richard Strauss 31

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