Arnold Schoenberg

Music Austrian-American 1874 – 1951 101 quotes

An Austrian-born American composer, music theorist, teacher, writer, and painter, associated with the expressionist movement in German poetry and art, and leader of the Second Viennese School.

Quotes by Arnold Schoenberg

Rhythm is the pulse of life.

Essay 1906

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 techniques once, but the man who has practiced one technique 10,000 times.

Speech 1939

Music is the art of thinking in tones.

Book 1914

Loneliness is the companion of genius.

Letter 1922

The score is the blueprint, performance the building.

Professional observation 1931

Wit is the salt of conversation.

Witty remark 1904

Dissonance is the truth of our time.

Key work passage 1909

Age is a question of mind over matter; if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Interview 1948

I compose to escape reality.

Personal reflection 1927

The orchestra is my instrument.

Speech 1916

Fame is fleeting, music eternal.

Aphorism 1934

My method is not a system, but a way of thinking.

Lecture 1923

Sorrow is the seed of joy.

Letter 1941

Criticism is the art of knowing how to dislike.

Witty remark 1918

Structure is the soul of music.

Essay 1903

I am misunderstood because I am ahead.

Interview 1929

Life without music is like a mistake.

Personal reflection 1937

The tone row is the alphabet of the future.

Key work passage 1924

Peace comes from within; do not seek it without.

Speech 1944

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing.

Letter 1902