Robert Schumann Play Quotations

He must be heard - and also seen; for if he played behind the scenes a great deal of the poetry of his playing would be lost

You should diligently play scales and fingerpractices. There are many, however, who believe they'll achieve all, by practicing daily on technique for hours on end, up till high age. It's like practicing every day to enumerate the alfabet faster and faster. One would think one could make better use of their valuable time.

You should neither play bad compositions, nor, unless compelled, listen to them.

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.

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

When you play, do not trouble yourself as to who is listening. Yet always play as though a master listened to you.

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

Play always as if in the presence of a master.

When you play, never mind who listens to you.