Robert Schumann Quotes

31 Sourced Quotes

An evil fate has deprived me of the full use of my right hand, so that I am not able to play my compositions as I feel them. The trouble with my hand is that certain fingers have become so weak, probably through writing and playing too much at one time, that I can hardly use them.

Robert Schumann
I sometimes lack confidence in public, although I am proud enough inwardly.

Robert Schumann
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
Believe me, were I ever to accomplish anything, it would be in music, which has always attracted me; and, without overestimating myself, I am conscious of possessing a certain creative faculty.

Robert Schumann
A fiery, good beginner always stands higher than a master in mediocrity...

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

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

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

Robert Schumann
The aesthetic principle is the same in every art, only the material differs.

Robert Schumann
Music - so different from painting - is the art which we enjoy most in company with others. A symphony, presented in a room with one other listener, would please him but little.

Robert Schumann
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
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
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
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.

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

Robert Schumann
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.

Robert Schumann
Sometimes I am so full of music, and so overflowing with melody, that I find it simply impossible to write down anything.

Robert Schumann
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
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
From a pound of iron, that costs little, a thousand watch-springs can be made, whose value becomes prodigious. The pound you have received from the Lord,—use it faithfully.

Robert Schumann
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
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
Let your intimate friends be chosen from such as are better informed than yourself.

Robert Schumann
To send light into the depths of the human heart — this is the artist's calling!

Robert Schumann
In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of.

Robert Schumann
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
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
To send light into the darkness of men's hearts—such is the duty of the artist.

Robert Schumann
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