Robert Schumann
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
Schumann 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 (She was 17.) 1837 – Schumann asked for Mr. Wieck approval, which he denied 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 “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
Schubert – born in ________ Schumann – born in _________ Both played the ________ Schubert wrote “The Trout,” “Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel” and the_______________________; Schumann wrote ___________________ Both wrote music that fits into the __________ Period Austria Germany piano Romantic The “Unfinished” Symphony Piano Concerto in A Minor