Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann
Robert Schumannwas a German composer and influential music critic. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Schumann left the study of law, intending to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist. He had been assured by his teacher Friedrich Wieck that he could become the finest pianist in Europe, but a hand injury ended this dream. Schumann then focused his musical energies on composing...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionComposer
Date of Birth8 June 1810
CityZwickau, Germany
CountryGermany
He must be heard - and also seen; for if he played behind the scenes a great deal of the poetry of his playing would be lost
You should diligently play scales and fingerpractices. There are many, however, who believe they'll achieve all, by practicing daily on technique for hours on end, up till high age. It's like practicing every day to enumerate the alfabet faster and faster. One would think one could make better use of their valuable time.
You should neither play bad compositions, nor, unless compelled, listen to them.
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.
Endeavour to play easy pieces well and with elegance; that is better than to play difficult pieces badly.
When you play, do not trouble yourself as to who is listening. Yet always play as though a master listened to you.
If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. therefore, respect every musician in his proper place.
Play always as if in the presence of a master.
When you play, never mind who listens to you.
The study of the history of music and the hearing of masterworks of different epochs will quickly cure you of vanity and self-adoration
People compose for many reasons: to become immortal; because the pianoforte 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; for no reason whatsoever.
To compose music, all you have to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of
It is music's lofty mission to shed light on the depths of the human heart
The painter turns a poem into a painting; the musician sets a picture to music.