Robert Schumann

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

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

the study of jurisprudence, by which I must earn my bread, has so withered and frozen the flowers of my fancy that they will never again seek the light. (To his Mother, November 11, 1829)

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

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.

Play always as if in the presence of a master.

When you play, never mind who listens to you.

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.

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.

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.

Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.

Nothing right can be accomplished in art without enthusiasm.

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

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.

Talent works, genius creates.

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

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