Clara Schumann

There is nothing greater than the joy of composing something oneself and then listening to it.

I cannot give a single concert at which I do not play one piece after the other in an agony of terror because my memory threatens to fail me. This fear torments me for days beforehand.

My health may be better preserved if I exert myself less, but in the end doesn't each person give his life for his calling?

Treasures are no longer to be got by instrumental art.

The tea is ice-cold, the room grows colder and colder, but I grow warmer and warmer.

Is an artist much more than a beggar?

If I have known much trouble in my youth, I have also known much joy.

I wish to lead a life free from care, and I see that I shall be unhappy if I cannot always work at my art.

I cannot be so bad when everybody is so fond of me.

Every man has his faults; I have and so have you - you will allow me to say so!

I do not want horses or diamonds - I am happy in possessing you.

My imagination can picture no fairer happiness than to continue living for art.

Why hurry over beautiful things? Why not linger and enjoy them?