“The flame that is naturally clear always gives the most light and heat. If I could blend my talent for poetry and music into one, the light would burn still clearer, and I might go far.”

“the study of jurisprudence, by which I must earn my bread, has so withered and frozen the flowers of my fancy that they will never again seek the light. (To his Mother, November 11, 1829)”

“Once, somebody asked Robert Schumann to explain the meaning of a certain piece of music he had just played on the piano. What Robert Schumann did was sit back down at the piano and play the piece of music again.”

“Nothing right can be accomplished in art without enthusiasm.”

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

“The flame that is naturally clear always gives the most light and heat. If I could blend my talent for poetry and music into one, the light would burn still clearer, and I might go far.”

“Talent works, genius creates.”

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

“Remember, there are more people in the world than yourself. Be modest! You have not yet invented nor thought anything which others have not thought or invented before. And should you really have done so, consider it a gift of heaven which you are to share with others.”

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

“Play always as if in the presence of a master.”