Clara, Clara, Clara (and yes, I roll those R's)!
Clara Wieck Schumann
~1819 - 1896
~Studied piano from age 5.
~Made first concert appearance at age 9 in Leipzig.
~Virtuoso pianist
~Composer
~Interpreter of music from Brahms, Chopin, and her husband Robert.
~Married Robert despite her father's opposition.
~Was torn between her career and her 7 (count them, 7) children.
~Struggled with the place of women in musical society at the time.
~Was more famous then her husband, but devoted herself to his music as well.
~Lifelong friend of Brahms.
~Gave her last public concert at age 72 and died from a stroke 5 years later.
~Dying wish: To hear her husband's music again.
Her Music
~Technically difficult.
~Deeply introspective.
~Greatly admired by many, including Liszt.
~Solo piano music, a piano concerto with orchestra or quintet, chamber music ( a paino trio, three romances for violin and piano, etc.), and lieder.
Major Works
~Scherzo, Opus 10 -- 1838
~Quatre pieces fugitives, Opus 15 -- 1845
~Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann -- 1854
~1819 - 1896
~Studied piano from age 5.
~Made first concert appearance at age 9 in Leipzig.
~Virtuoso pianist
~Composer
~Interpreter of music from Brahms, Chopin, and her husband Robert.
~Married Robert despite her father's opposition.
~Was torn between her career and her 7 (count them, 7) children.
~Struggled with the place of women in musical society at the time.
~Was more famous then her husband, but devoted herself to his music as well.
~Lifelong friend of Brahms.
~Gave her last public concert at age 72 and died from a stroke 5 years later.
~Dying wish: To hear her husband's music again.
Her Music
~Technically difficult.
~Deeply introspective.
~Greatly admired by many, including Liszt.
~Solo piano music, a piano concerto with orchestra or quintet, chamber music ( a paino trio, three romances for violin and piano, etc.), and lieder.
Major Works
~Scherzo, Opus 10 -- 1838
~Quatre pieces fugitives, Opus 15 -- 1845
~Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann -- 1854