Alfred Brendel Quotes

Perhaps it is possible to discover more in silence than in speech. Or perhaps it is only that those who are silent among us learn to listen.

Unlike seeing, where one can look away, one cannot 'hear away' but must listen ... hearing implies already belonging together in such a manner that one is claimed by what is being said.

We have met on a solemn occasion, and in this crowded assembly there is one thing that appears important, that is, for every one of us to be still, that if any thing should he said, every one may the better hear.

Listening to something is an act of surrender.

Only keep still, wait, and hear, and the world will open.

No more words. In the name of this place we drink in with our breathing, stay quiet like a flower. So the nightbirds will start singing.

Quiet is the absence of sound. Silence is the presence of silence.

We hear nothing so clearly as what comes out of silence.

The sounds of silence are a dim recollection now, like mystery, privacy and paying attention to one thing — or one person — at a time.

To listen to the silence, wherever you are, is an easy and direct way of becoming present.

To hear, one must be silent.

I think I will do nothing for a long time but listen, And accrue what I hear into myself...and let sound contribute toward me.

I turn off the radio, listen to the quiet. Which has its own, rich sound. Which I knew, but had forgotten. And it is good to remember.

Silence is a still noise.

Nothing is more useful than silence.

Listen once in a while. It's amazing what you can hear.

There are many types of silence. There is a silence before the note, there is a silence at the end and there is a silence in the middle.

People are generally amazed that I would take an interest in any form that would require me to stop talking for three hours.

I'm much calmer when there's no TV or music playing in the background.

There may be something good in silence. It's a brand new thing. You can hear the funniest little discussions, if you keep turning the volume down. Shut yourself up, and listen out loud.

I don't really listen to music when I work. I really have to focus on one thing at a time. I like a lot of quiet and peace when I'm working or when I'm thinking or when I'm reading.

One of the greatest sounds of them all - and to me it is a sound - is utter, complete silence.

Silence is more musical than any song.

It's only by taking myself away from clutter and distraction that I can begin to hear something out of earshot and recall that listening is much more invigorating than giving voice to all the thoughts and prejudices that anyway keep me company twenty-four hours a day.