Artur Schnabel Quotes

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Mozart is a garden, Schubert is a forest in light and shade, but Beethoven is a mountain range.

Have I a secret about playing the piano? It's a very simple one. I sit down on the piano stool and make myself comfortable - and I always make sure that the lid over the keyboard is open before I start to play.

Practice in tranquility.

When a piece gets difficult, make faces.

I am attracted only to music which I consider to be better than it can be performed.

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

Applause is a receipt, not a note of demand.

I practice in my head.

Mozart is the most inaccessible of the great masters.