Artur Schnabel Quotes & Sayings

It is not music's function to express rational necessities. — Artur Schnabel

I practice in my head. — Artur Schnabel

I am attracted only to music which I consider to be better than it can be performed. Therefore I feel (rightly or wrongly) that unless a piece of music presents a problem to me, a never-ending problem, it doesn't interest me too much. — Artur Schnabel

I know two kinds of audiences only - one coughing, and one not coughing. — Artur Schnabel

Children are given Mozart because of the small quantity of the notes; grown-ups avoid Mozart because of the great quality of the notes. — Artur Schnabel

I only know two kinds of audiences - one coughing, and one not coughing. — Artur Schnabel

Mozart is a garden, Schubert is a forest in light and shade, but Beethoven is a mountain range, — Artur Schnabel

When a piece gets difficult, make faces. — Artur Schnabel

The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes - ah, that is where the art resides. — Artur Schnabel

Great music is better than it can be performed. — Artur Schnabel

I am the only person here who is enjoying this, and I get the money; they pay and have to suffer. — Artur Schnabel

I always make sure that the lid over the keyboard is open before I start to play. — Artur Schnabel

Sunshine can burn you, food can poison you, words can condemn you, pictures can insult you; music cannot punish - only bless. — Artur Schnabel

Applause is a receipt, not a note of demand. — Artur Schnabel

The sonatas of Mozart are unique; they are too easy for children, and too difficult for artists. — Artur Schnabel

Mozart is the most inaccessible of the great masters. — Artur Schnabel

I don't think I handle the notes much differently from other pianists. But the pauses between the notes - ah, there is where the artistry lies!! — Artur Schnabel