Robert Schumann

“להאיר את מעמקי נפש האדם – זה תפקידו של האמן.”

“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.”

“Play always as if in the presence of a master.”

“Look deeply into life, and study it as diligently as the other arts and sciences.”

“To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.”

“If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. therefore, respect every musician in his proper place.”

“I am so fresh in soul and spirit that life gushes and bubbles around me in a thousand springs.”

“I was a God-fearing child, innocent and physically attractive.”

“My heart pounds sickeningly and I turn pale... I often feel as if I were dead... I seem to be losing my mind.”

“You write to become immortal, or because the piano happens to be open, or you've looked into a pair of beautiful eyes.”

“Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.”

“Let your intimate friends be chosen from such as are better informed than yourself.”

“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.”

“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.”

“To send light into the darkness of men's hearts--such is the duty of the artist.”

“I sometimes lack confidence in public, although I am proud enough inwardly.”

“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.”

“Nothing right can be accomplished in art without enthusiasm.”

“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.”

“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.”