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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
Compelled
Composition
Neither
Unless
Listen
Play
Compositions

More quotes by 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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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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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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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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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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Only when the form grows clear to you, will the spirit become so too.
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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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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We shouldn't repeat the same for ages on end, but look into the new as well.
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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Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.
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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Perhaps only a Genius can truly understand Genius.
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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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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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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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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Music induces nightingales to sing, pug dogs to yelp.
Robert Schumann
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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.
Robert Schumann