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

The artist must be a child of nature, drawing inspiration from the world around them.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1836

Music is the voice of God.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1835

The artist must be a visionary, seeing beyond the veil of reality.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1837

Music is the soul's awakening.

Letter to Clara Wieck 1840

The artist must be a revolutionary, challenging the status quo.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1838

Music is the language of the subconscious.

Letter to Clara Wieck 1839

The artist must be a healer, bringing comfort and solace through their art.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1836

Music is the ultimate expression of human emotion.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1835

The artist must be a seeker of truth, revealing the hidden depths of existence.

Neue Zeitschrift für Musik 1837

Music is the mirror of the soul.

Letter to Clara Wieck 1840

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

Article 1837

The artist vocation is shameful if he does not want to be useful to his fellow men.

Writing 1835

My whole life has been a struggle between Poetry and Prose, or, if you like, between Music and the rest of the world.

Letter 1840

You must stuff yourself with music every moment of the day, for it is the only nourishment for the soul.

Advice

The public is like a child: it must be flattered and coddled.

Journal 1834

Endeavour to play the very best you can, and if you do so, you will certainly find that the public will appreciate your efforts.

Speech 1848

I am no longer myself; I am only a shell, a hollow man.

Letter 1854

Play always as if in the presence of a master.

Rules for Young Musicians 1848

Strive to play difficult things with simplicity and easy things with feeling.

Rules for Young Musicians 1848

The actor must not let his mask slip even for a moment.

Writing