"And so, little by little, I gradually divested myself of pretty nearly all of the guest conducting I used to do, because I was at the same time working in the places like the Met, where I could work in this sort of depth"

James Levine is describing his decision to focus more on his work at the Metropolitan Opera House, instead of guest conducting. He wanted to be able to work in a more significant and extensive way, so he slowly stopped taking on guest performing tasks. This quote reveals his dedication to his craft and his desire to develop something of lasting value. He was willing to compromise the short-term advantages of visitor conducting in order to focus on his work at the Met. This quote likewise speaks to Levine's commitment to his art and his willingness to put in the effort essential to produce something of lasting worth. He was willing to make the tough choice to give up visitor conducting in order to concentrate on his work at the Met, and this speaks with his devotion and passion for his craft.