Robert Schumann quotes

Robert Schumann was a German composer and influential music critic of the Romantic era. Known for his expressive piano works, symphonies, and songs, his music bridged tradition and innovation. He greatly impacted the development of romantic music and inspired countless composers. Here are 27 of his quotes:

Nothing right can be accomplished in art without enthusiasm.

Robert Schumann

In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of.

Robert Schumann

To send light into the depths of the human heart -- this is the artist's calling!

Robert Schumann

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

Robert Schumann

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

Robert Schumann

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

Robert Schumann

My indifference to money and my spendthrift ways are disgraceful. You have no idea how reckless I am; how often I practically throw money out of the window. I am always making good resolutions, but the next minute I forget and give the waiter eightpence.

Robert Schumann

Thus it is ever in life. The aims we once pursued no longer satisfy us; we aim, we strive, we aspire, until sight fails, and mind and body find rest in the grave.

Robert Schumann

Play always as if in the presence of a master.

Robert Schumann

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

Robert Schumann

Sometimes I am so full of music, and so overflowing with melody, that I find it simply impossible to write down anything.

Robert Schumann

Perhaps genius alone understands genius fully.

Robert Schumann

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.

Robert Schumann

The poet sees better than other mortals. I do not see things as they are, but according to my own subjective impression, and this makes life easier and simpler.

Robert Schumann

An evil fate has deprived me of the full use of my right hand, so that I am not able to play my compositions as I feel them. The trouble with my hand is that certain fingers have become so weak, probably through writing and playing too much at one time, that I can hardly use them.

Robert Schumann

I feel so entirely in my element with a full orchestra; even if my mortal enemies were marshalled before me, I could lead them, master them, surround them, or repulse them.

Robert Schumann

My symphonies would have reached Opus 100 if I had but written them down... Sometimes I am so full of music, and so overflowing with melody, that I find it simply impossible to write down anything.

Robert Schumann

I sometimes lack confidence in public, although I am proud enough inwardly.

Robert Schumann

Mendelssohn I consider the first musician of the day; I doff my hat to him as my superior. He plays with everything, especially with the grouping of the instruments in the orchestra, but with such ease, delicacy and art, with such mastery throughout.

Robert Schumann

You write to become immortal, or because the piano happens to be open, or you've looked into a pair of beautiful eyes.

Robert Schumann

Believe me, were I ever to accomplish anything, it would be in music, which has always attracted me; and, without overestimating myself, I am conscious of possessing a certain creative faculty.

Robert Schumann

I was a God-fearing child, innocent and physically attractive.

Robert Schumann