Schumann's literary background heavily influenced his choice of poems for musical settings, including major European authors like Shakespeare and Cervantes, and German writers like E.T.A. Hoffmann and Jean Paul.
Critical Reception
Schumann's compositions sometimes had varied success, with his publisher Breitkopf & Härtel complaining in 1848 that his works were not proving profitable.
Composer Biography
Robert Schumann's father, August Schumann, was a bookseller, publisher, and prolific writer in Zwickau, who encouraged his son's literary and musical interests.
Composer Biography
An injury to Schumann's right hand, possibly from a self-devised 'cigar-box machine', ended his prospects of a career as a concert pianist.
Composition History
The year 1840 is known as Schumann's 'Year of Song' because he turned his attention to vocal music and composed approximately 168 songs.
Composer Biography
Schumann's mental health was uncertain, with periods of depression, and his nervous problems escalated, leading to an attempted suicide in 1854 and his admission to a private asylum.
Composer Biography
Schumann initially studied law at the Universities of Leipzig and Heidelberg, but showed little interest, with his passion for music growing instead.
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Schumann: Frauenliebe und -leben
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December Nights: Schumann. Moscow, December 16, 1985 (Live)
