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

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
Neither
Unless
Listen
Play
Compositions
Compelled
Composition

More quotes by Robert Schumann

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Send light to the dark hearts of men, that is the duty the artist.
Robert Schumann
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Mendelssohn I consider the first musician of the day I doff my hat to him as my superior. He plays with everything, especially with the grouping of the instruments in the orchestra, but with such ease, delicacy and art, with such mastery throughout.
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!
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For me Wagner is impossible... he talks without ever stopping. One can't just talk all the time.
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We shouldn't repeat the same for ages on end, but look into the new as well.
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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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Confidence and courage are special skills to the art ... Within the four walls of his study, the artist should be modest, work diligently and conscientiously. While for the public, he'll show himself audacious, yes even into cheerful boldness. And so a new public's darling has arisen.
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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That first concept is alway the most naturally and best. The mind errs, the emotion never.
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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It is the curse of talent that, although it labors with greater steadiness and perseverance than genius, it does not reach its goal, while genius already on the summit of the ideal, gazes laughingly about.
Robert Schumann
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My heart pounds sickeningly and I turn pale... I often feel as if I were dead... I seem to be losing my mind.
Robert Schumann
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Can that which has cost the artist days, weeks, months and even years of reflection be understood in a flash by a dilettante?
Robert Schumann
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You write to become immortal, or because the piano happens to be open, or you've looked into a pair of beautiful eyes.
Robert Schumann
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Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.
Robert Schumann
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I was a God-fearing child, innocent and physically attractive.
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
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Perhaps only a Genius can truly understand Genius.
Robert Schumann
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Art was not created as a way to riches. Strive to become a true artist all else will take care of itself.
Robert Schumann
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The principal mark of genius is not perfection, but originality.
Robert Schumann