Johannes Brahms, whose genius Schumann recognized, provided significant support to Clara Schumann during her husband's illness and remained close to her until her death in 1896.
Composition History
Brahms's Four Serious Songs, based on Martin Luther's translation of the Bible, were written in 1896, possibly reflecting the impending death of Clara Schumann or his own mortality.
Composer Biography
Schumann's marriage to Clara Wieck, a pianist and daughter of his piano teacher Friedrich Wieck, occurred two months after a protracted legal battle with her father.
Composition History
Schumann's Frauenliebe und -leben sets eight poems by Adalbert von Chamisso, which reflect a woman's journey from first love to the tragedy of her husband's death.
Composition History
Richard Wagner's Wesendonck Songs originated from his affair with Mathilde Wesendonck, the wife of a wealthy businessman who supported Wagner during his exile in Switzerland.
Compositional Technique
The Wesendonck Songs foreshadow elements of Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde; for example, "Im Treibhaus" relates to the Prelude to Act III, and "Träume" to the Act II love-duet.
Composition History
Robert Schumann composed his song-cycle Frauenliebe und -leben in July 1840, a year he called his "Liederjahr" due to the incredible profusion of songs he composed.
