To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.
Interpretation
Artists have a responsibility to illuminate and inspire others through their work.
This quote emphasizes the profound role of artists in society, suggesting that their primary duty is to bring understanding, hope, and enlightenment to those who may be lost or struggling. By creating art, which serves as a form of light, they help to illuminate the deeper emotions and truths within the human experience, transforming darkness into a space of possibility and connection.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of creativity, one might say, 'As Robert Schumann said, to send light into the darkness of men's hearts is the duty of the artist.'
It was an unforgettable picture to see Chopin sitting at the piano like a clairvoyant, lost in his dreams; to see how his vision communicated itself through his playing, and how, at the end of each piece, he had the sad habit of running one finger over the length of the plaintive keyboard, as though to tear himself forcibly away from his dream.
I am so fresh in soul and spirit that life gushes and bubbles around me in a thousand springs.
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 can offer to Art.
You write to become immortal, or because the piano happens to be open, or you've looked into a pair of beautiful eyes.
Endeavour to play easy pieces well and with elegance; that is better than to play difficult pieces badly.
For me, music is always the language which permits one to converse with the Beyond.
βA day in which I don't write leaves a taste of ashes.
So much of what I create has been due to the influence of Miles Davis and Donald Byrd, and so many of those that have passed on. Their music, their legacy lives on with the rest of us because we are so highly influenced by their experience and what they have given us.
Decorating is not about making stage sets, it's not about making pretty pictures for the magazines, it's really about creating a quality of life, a beauty that nourishes the soul.
Every artist, every scientist, every writer must decide now where he stands. The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or for slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.
I'm very representational some of the time, and a little all of the time. But when you're painting out of your unconscious, figures are bound to emerge.
Don't play the notes. Play the meaning of the notes.
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