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.
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