Robert Alexander Schumann

Robert Alexander Schumann

Robert Alexander Schumann was born in Zwickau, Germany, on June 8, 1810. As a child, his musical interests were nurtured by his father. He was given piano lessons at the age of 10 from the organist of a local church. In 1828, he entered the Leipzig University as a law student, but was more interested in philosophy. While in Leipzig, Schumann studied piano with Friedrich Wieck. He traveled to Heidelberg in 1829. There he began studying music in earnest. When he returned to Leipzig in 1830, he lived in the home of Wieck, while he took lessons in composition from Heinrich Dorn. Schumann was not entirely mentally sound. His life was filled with tragic events, such as the death of his father from nervous disease, the suicide of his 19-year-old sister, and the early deaths of two of his three brothers. Schumann had a fascination with poets and writers who met early and unfortunate deaths. He also suffered from what he called pervasive melancholy. Symptomatic of this popular malady were losses of conciousness, shortness of breath, and inexpressible angst. In 1840, Schumann made plans to marry 21-year-old Clara Wieck, the daughter of his mentor, Friedrich Wieck. Needless to say, Friedrich didn't want his daughter to marry the unstable Schumann, but a court decision allowed the pair to complete their nuptials. Despite the objections and exhortations of Schumann's new father-in-law, the marriage turned out to be very happy and successful. Altogether, Clara and Robert had seven children: three daughters and four sons. Schumann's weak mental health didn't affect his ability to produce music. He wrote many pieces for the stage, including operas, as well as piano and orchestral works. His style was deeply Romantic. However, his music was not somber and dramatic like that of Beethoven, but harmonious and melodious. Schumann died in Endenich on July 29, 1856. During his final days he showed few moments of lucidity. He refused to see his wife and children. One of the only visitors he accepted was Brahms, with whom he enjoyed playing piano duets. There is some contention as to the cause of Schumann's death. Modern evidence points to his symptoms as syphilitic, but the physicians of his day diagnosed his illness as either a sclerosis of the brain, or dementia praecox.