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Play always as if in the presence of a master.

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

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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...more

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You will be most readily cured of vanity or presumption by studying the history of music, and by hearing the master pieces which have been produced at...more

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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 practi...more

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Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.

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When you play, never mind who listens to you.

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Look deeply into life, and study it as diligently as the other arts and sciences.

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Think it a vile habit to alter works of good composers, to omit parts of them, or to insert new-fashioned ornaments. This is the greatest insult you c...more

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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 ligh...more