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 SchnabelRead
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!!
Interpretation
What this quote means
The artistry in music is found not just in the notes played, but in the spaces and pauses between them.
Artur Schnabel's quote emphasizes that true musical expression extends beyond the technical execution of notes; it dwells in the silence and the pauses that give meaning and depth to a performance. The ability to interpret and manipulate these moments of silence is what distinguishes great musicians from the ordinary, highlighting the importance of emotional expression in art.
Themes
ArtistryMusicPausesExpressionPerformance
In practice
Example use cases
During a music class, to explain the importance of pauses, this quote can inspire students to appreciate silence in their performances.
More from Artur Schnabel
All quotes βSimilar quotes
There rise her timeless capitals of empires daily born, whose plinths are laid at midnight and whose streets are packed at morn; and here come tired youths and maids that feign to love or sin in tones like rusty razor blades to tunes like smitten tin.
Rudyard KiplingRead
Good writers borrow from other writers. Great writers steal from them outright.
Aaron SorkinRead
I've always believed that a dance evening energizes an audience, that an audience goes out feeling chemically stronger and more optimistic. This is what I understand about dance. And this is an important thing. We need this. Our culture needs it.
Twyla TharpRead
Composition is for the most part an effort of slow diligence and steady perseverance, to which the mind is dragged by necessity or resolution, and from which the attention is every moment starting to more delightful amusements.
Samuel JohnsonRead
Got a head full of lightning, a hat full of rain.
Tom WaitsRead
It is not your paintings I like, it is your painting.
Albert CamusRead