Robert Schumann Quotes Page 2

“We may be sure that a genius like Mozart, were he born today, would write concertos like Chopin and not like Mozart.”

“We shouldn't repeat the same for ages on end, but look into the new as well.”

“Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.”

“You should diligently play scales and fingerpractices. There are many, however, who believe they'll achieve all, by practicing daily on technique for hours on end, up till high age. It's like practicing every day to enumerate the alfabet faster and faster. One would think one could make better use of their valuable time.”

“You write to become immortal, or because the piano happens to be open, or you've looked into a pair of beautiful eyes.”

“Endeavour to play easy pieces well and with elegance; that is better than to play difficult pieces badly.”

“If all would play first violin, we could not obtain an orchestra. Therefore esteem every musician in his place.”

“If, while at the piano, you attempt to form little melodies, that is very well; but if they come into your mind of themselves, when you are not practising, you may be still more pleased; for the internal organ of music is then roused in you. The fingers must do what the head desires; not the contrary.”

“Let your intimate friends be chosen from such as are better informed than yourself.”

“Look deeply into life, and study it as diligently as the other arts and sciences.”

“Play always as if in the presence of a master.”

“Remember, there are more people in the world than yourself. Be modest! You have not yet invented nor thought anything which others have not thought or invented before. And should you really have done so, consider it a gift of heaven which you are to share with others.”

“Think it a vile habit to alter works of good composers, to omit parts of them, or to insert new-fashioned ornaments. This is the greatest insult you can offer to Art.”

“When you play, never mind who listens to you.”

“You should neither play bad compositions, nor, unless compelled, listen to them.”

“You will be most readily cured of vanity or presumption by studying the history of music, and by hearing the master pieces which have been produced at different periods.”

“Art was not created as a way to riches. Strive to become a true artist; all else will take care of itself.”

“Can that which has cost the artist days, weeks, months and even years of reflection be understood in a flash by a dilettante?”

“Music induces nightingales to sing, pug dogs to yelp.”

“The aesthetic principle is the same in every art, only the material differs.”

“We have learned to express the more delicate nuances of feeling by penetrating more deeply into the mysteries of harmony.”

“When you play, do not trouble yourself as to who is listening. Yet always play as though a master listened to you.”

“I feel so entirely in my element with a full orchestra; even if my mortal enemies were marshalled before me, I could lead them, master them, surround them, or repulse them.”

“I sometimes lack confidence in public, although I am proud enough inwardly.”

“My indifference to money and my spendthrift ways are disgraceful. You have no idea how reckless I am; how often I practically throw money out of the window. I am always making good resolutions, but the next minute I forget and give the waiter eightpence.”

“Nature best teaches how to pray, and how to reverence all the gifts the Almighty has given us. She is like a vast outspread handkerchief, embroidered with God's eternal name, on which we may dry alike our tears of sorrow and of joy; she turns weeping into ecstasy, and fills our hearts with speechless, quiet reverence and resignation.”

“The flame that is naturally clear always gives the most light and heat. If I could blend my talent for poetry and music into one, the light would burn still clearer, and I might go far.”

“The poet sees better than other mortals. I do not see things as they are, but according to my own subjective impression, and this makes life easier and simpler.”

“The study of jurisprudence, by which I must earn my bread, has so withered and frozen the flowers of my fancy that they will never again seek the light. (To his Mother, November 11, 1829)”

“Thus it is ever in life. The aims we once pursued no longer satisfy us; we aim, we strive, we aspire, until sight fails, and mind and body find rest in the grave.”