Robert Schumann

Composer

Birthday June 8, 1810

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace Zwickau, Germany

DEATH DATE Jul 29, 1856 (46)

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About

Widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of the Romantic era. He was best known for such works as "Papillons" and "Carnaval" from 1834.

Before Fame

He was forced to give up his ambitions to be a great pianist after an injury permanently damaged one of his hands. He wrote solely for the piano until 1840, after which he composed Lieder, symphonies, one opera, and orchestral, choral, and chamber pieces.

Trivia

His musical pieces were marked by an internal logic and structure, but still felt improvisational and free-flowing.

Family Life

His parents were not musically inclined, but still encouraged their son's ambitions. He married his wife Clara, a prominent concert pianist, against her father's wishes, which prompted a bitter legal battle over her earnings.

Associated With

He and Modest Mussorgsky were contemporaries and both were renowned composers of the Romantic era.