Schumann, Clara 1819 - 1896
Author: Chong, Riyo
Last updated：April 27, 2019
Author: Chong, Riyo
Author : PTNA Piano Encyclopedia Editorial Department
Last Updated: May 1, 2007
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Author : PTNA Piano Encyclopedia Editorial Department
Born in Leipzig in 1819, Clara's father, Friedrich Wieck, began her intensive musical education at the age of five, intending to raise her as a musician. Clara soon embarked on concert tours with her father, achieving brilliant success throughout Europe as a child prodigy. In 1840, her marriage to Robert Schumann, which had escalated to a lawsuit due to Wieck's persistent opposition, finally materialized. During her marriage, she was unable to practice the piano sufficiently as it would disturb Robert while he composed, and she was also preoccupied with housework and the birth and upbringing of eight children. Nevertheless, she diligently pursued her performing career and teaching in Leipzig through tireless effort. In 1856, Robert died in a mental asylum, but even as a widow, she continued to perform energetically to support her young children. It was also during this period of hardship that her lifelong intimate relationship with Brahms began.
As a pianist, her significant contribution lies in popularizing the works of her contemporaries, such as Schumann and Chopin, and particularly Beethoven's late sonatas, which she included in her repertoire. However, Clara also seemed to have strong ambitions as a composer, and indeed left behind many creative works.
Works(36)
Concerto (1)
concerto (2)
Piano Solo (15)
scherzo (2)
pieces (4)
inpromptu (2)
variation (4)
Variationen über ein Thema von Robert Schumann Op.20
Key: fis-moll Composed in: 1853 Playing time: 10 min 00 sec
cadenza (3)
waltz (2)
romance (5)
Reduction/Arrangement (2)
Chamber Music (2)