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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
Listen
Play
Compositions
Compelled
Composition
Neither
Unless

More quotes by 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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The principal mark of genius is not perfection, but originality.
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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Only when the form grows clear to you, will the spirit become so too.
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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When young, one learns his craftsmanship, may become a young master, and it is youth that is most auspicious for developing certain skills.
Robert Schumann
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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Music induces nightingales to sing, pug dogs to yelp.
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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Does it not seem as if Mozart's works become fresher and fresher the oftener we hear them?
Robert Schumann
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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.
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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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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Talent works, genius creates.
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