Robert Schumann 1810 - 1856

2

Romantic Period Expressiveness more important than form & order Expressed emotion with little restraint Describes things like nature, a scene or a feeling Music given specific titles instead of being named by the form Growing use of folk music 3

Schumann 1810 - Born in Saxony (now part of Germany) Accomplished pianist as a boy 1828 – Entered law school, but never went to class. Instead spent his time in musical, social & literary activities

Schumann 1829 – Began piano lessons with Friedrich Wieck to become concert pianist; quit to attend Heidelberg University 1830 – Lived with Wieck 1832 – Began to have trouble with his hand, Made a contraption to strengthen fingers, but it actually crippled them 1835 – Met Mendehlssohn

Schumann Developed relationship with Clara Wieck, his teacher's daughter Mr. Wieck did not approve Went to court to seek permission to marry Clara

Schumann Was nearsighted & afraid of heights Was a music critic Established his own music journal Wrote under 2 pen names – Florestan & Eusebius Lines between reality & fantasy blurred because he dedicated 2 of the movements of Carnaval to Florestan & Eusebuis

Schumann Toward end of life, heard strange voices Said the spirits of Schubert & Mendelssohn came to him to dictate musical themes. Sometimes he thought he was being pursued by tigers & hyenas. Attempted suicide Voluntarily committed to an asylum.

Schumann’s Music Wrote lieder, piano music, orchestral music, chamber music, 1 opera, some choral music “Piano Concerto in A Minor” Reminder – Romantic music expressed emotion with little restraint & described things like nature, a scene or a feeling

Comparing Schubert & Schumann

Comparing Schubert & Schumann Austria Schubert – born in ________ Schumann – born in _________ Both wrote _______ Both played the ________ Schubert was not well known; Schumann was a music critic & established his own music journal Both wrote music that fits into the __________ Period Germany lieder piano Romantic