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The principal mark of genius is not perfection, but originality.

Robert Schumann

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Robert Schumann
Age: 46 †
Born: 1810
Born: June 8
Died: 1856
Died: July 29
Composer
Conductor
Music Critic
Music Pedagogue
Musician
Musicologist
Pianist
Robert Alexander Schumann
Perfection
Mark
Genius
Frontiers
Originality
Principal

More quotes by Robert Schumann

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We shouldn't repeat the same for ages on end, but look into the new as well.
Robert Schumann
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People compose for many reasons, to become immortal because the piano happens to be open because they want to become a millionaire because of the praise of friends because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes or for no reason whatsoever.
Robert Schumann
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My symphonies would have reached Opus 100 if I had but written them down... Sometimes I am so full of music, and so overflowing with melody, that I find it simply impossible to write down anything.
Robert Schumann
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For me Wagner is impossible... he talks without ever stopping. One can't just talk all the time.
Robert Schumann
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It was an unforgettable picture to see Chopin sitting at the piano like a clairvoyant, lost in his dreams to see how his vision communicated itself through his playing, and how, at the end of each piece, he had the sad habit of running one finger over the length of the plaintive keyboard, as though to tear himself forcibly away from his dream.
Robert Schumann
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When you play, do not trouble yourself as to who is listening. Yet always play as though a master listened to you.
Robert Schumann
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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.
Robert Schumann
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Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.
Robert Schumann
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You should neither play bad compositions, nor, unless compelled, listen to them.
Robert Schumann
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I was a God-fearing child, innocent and physically attractive.
Robert Schumann
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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.
Robert Schumann
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In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of.
Robert Schumann
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Endeavour to play easy pieces well and with elegance that is better than to play difficult pieces badly.
Robert Schumann
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The aesthetic principle is the same in every art, only the material differs.
Robert Schumann
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Does it not seem as if Mozart's works become fresher and fresher the oftener we hear them?
Robert Schumann
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Talent works, genius creates.
Robert Schumann
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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.
Robert Schumann
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We liked it or I didn't like it people say. As if it were nothing higher than to please the people!
Robert Schumann
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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.
Robert Schumann
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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.
Robert Schumann