The principal mark of genius is not perfection, but originality. Robert Schumann More Quotes by Robert Schumann More Quotes From Robert Schumann If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. therefore, respect every musician in his proper place. Robert Schumann team-workteamworkplay 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 flameslightgiving Perhaps only a Genius can truly understand Genius. Robert Schumann genius I sometimes lack confidence in public, although I am proud enough inwardly. Robert Schumann proudenoughsometimes We may be sure that a genius like Mozart, were he born today, would write concertos like Chopin and not like Mozart. Robert Schumann geniuswritingmay 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 ironspringwatches 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 artistreflectionyears 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 pianominddesire 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 eyewritingbeautiful Music owes as much to Bach as religion to its founder. Robert Schumann founders 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 insults-youartthinking For me Wagner is impossible... he talks without ever stopping. One can't just talk all the time. Robert Schumann wagnerstoppingimpossible 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 givingwayideas Send light to the dark hearts of men, that is the duty the artist. Robert Schumann artistdarkheart Only when the form grows clear to you, will the spirit become so too. Robert Schumann clearformspirit 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 pianodreamrunning The aesthetic principle is the same in every art, only the material differs. Robert Schumann aestheticprinciplesart 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 orchestraelementsenemy Music induces nightingales to sing, pug dogs to yelp. Robert Schumann pug-dogspugsdog Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art. Robert Schumann enthusiasmart
