Robert Schumann

Music German 1810 – 1856 102 quotes

A German composer, pianist, and influential music critic of the Romantic era, known for his piano works, Lieder, and symphonies.

Quotes by Robert Schumann

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

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1839

The artist's first duty is to be true to himself.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1835

The most important thing is to have a good ear, a good heart, and a good mind.

Rules for Young Musicians 1838

Music is the highest art form. It speaks to the soul.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1834

The poet's mind is a garden, and music is the flower that blooms there.

Letter to Clara Wieck 1840

Study the classics, but do not imitate them. Create your own path.

Rules for Young Musicians 1838

The artist must always strive for originality, even if it means being misunderstood.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1835

Music is the language of angels.

Letter to Clara Wieck 1839

The piano is my confessor.

Letter to Clara Wieck 1838

Never play a piece of music mechanically. Always put your heart into it.

Rules for Young Musicians 1838

The artist must be a visionary, seeing what others cannot.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1836

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1835

The true artist is a mirror of the world, reflecting its beauty and its pain.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1837

To compose is to think in sounds.

Letter to Clara Wieck 1840

The artist must be a solitary figure, yet connected to humanity.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1838

Music is the only language in which you cannot say a mean or sarcastic thing.

Letter to Clara Wieck 1839

The artist's greatest reward is to touch the hearts of others.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1836

Without passion, there is no art.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1835

The artist must be a dreamer, but also a craftsman.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1837

Music is the breath of life.

Letter to Clara Wieck 1840