On Rhythm

Nothing puts me in a worse mood than the student who does not play in rhythm, because rhythm is spirit in music, the most human thing in music…

It is very hard to teach rhythm. It must be felt. It is contagious to a certain extent…

Duet playing, with a strong, vigorous musical individual, is one of the best ways in which to “catch” rhythm as one might catch the measles. Rhythm is infectious.

–Joseph Lhevinne on Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing