Robert Schumann

“You should neither play bad compositions, nor, unless compelled, listen to them.”

“If all would play first violin, we could not obtain an orchestra. Therefore esteem every musician in his place.”

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

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

“When you play, never mind who listens to you.”

“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.”

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

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“By means of industry and perseverance you will rise higher and higher.”

“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.”

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

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