Clara Schumann

Clara Josephine Schumann (German: Clara Josephine Schumann, September 13, 1819 - May 20, 1896), nee Wieck (German: Wieck), was a German pianist, composer and piano teacher. Her husband, Robert Schumann, was also an important musician during the Romantic period. Her 61 years of touring experience established her status in the music world, and also indirectly promoted the transformation of piano concert repertoire, allowing more serious works to replace the previous virtuoso music. His works include "Piano Concerto" (Opus 7) and some piano solos, chamber music works, choruses, and art songs. Clara was born in Leipzig. His father, Friedrich Wieck, and his mother, Marianne Bargier, were both pianists and piano teachers. Clara was a child prodigy. She started studying music with her father at the age of seven, toured around the world, and gained recognition in cities such as Paris and Vienna. After their marriage, Clara and Schumann had eight children. At the same time, Johannes Brahms was deeply influenced by Schumann and his wife, and the three musicians had close contacts. Many works by Schumann and Brahms were premiered by Clara. After Schumann's death, Clara continued touring throughout Europe for decades. During this time she collaborated with violinist Joseph Joachim and other chamber musicians. In 1878, she began teaching at the Hoch Music Academy in Frankfurt, attracting students from all over the world. She also presided over the publication of a number of her husband's works. Clara died in Frankfurt in 1896 and was later transported back to Bonn and buried next to her husband's grave. Clara's legacy is far-reaching. Many film and television works have developed narratives around the life of Schumann and his wife, such as "Fantasia" in 1944 and the 2008 film "Dear Clara" directed by Helma Saunders-Brahms. In addition, the fourth edition of the 100-mark Deutsche Mark was issued in 1989, featuring Clara's lithograph portrait. In the second half of the 20th century, the trend of studying Clara revived, and the work regained attention.