Meet a Composer: Clara Schumann

Meet a Composer:  Clara Schumann

Years Lived: 1819-1896
Period: Romantic
Country: Germany

Clara Schumann (her name was Clara Wieck before she married composer Robert Schumann) was one of the first female classical composers to gain popularity and recognition. She grew up in Leipzig with musical parents—her father was a pianist and her mother was a singer. Schumann started learning piano at a young age and was a child prodigy. She made her official debut when she was nine and had already started touring Europe when she was only 11 years old! Schumann's studies included piano, composition, harmony, singing, as well as other subjects. 

Schumann married famous composer Robert Schumann when she was just 18 years old. They became friends with Johannes Brahms and encouraged him in his career. Clara Schumann performed Brahms' as well as her husband's work throughout her career. Her husband died at a young age, 46, but Clara continued her career after his death. 

Clara wrote many pieces including piano works, choral pieces, German Lieder, piano concertos, orchestral works, and more! Listen to her Scherzo No. 2 for piano here!

Did You Know?

Clara Schumann was one of the first pianists to perform works from memory.  Because of her influence, performing from memory became more standard at piano concerts.

Clara Schumann was on the 100 German banknote from 2 January 1989 until the adoption of the Euro on January 1, 2002.  

 

Several films have been made about Schumann's life:
Geliebte Clara ("Beloved Clara") in 2008, Song of Love in 1947, and Dreaming in 1944.

Schumann had eight children.  She earned most of the income for her family which was very unusual at that time.

Clara Schumann premiered many of her husband's compositions and also premiered works of Brahmns'.

After you read this Classics for Kids information about Clara Schumann and listen to this Classics for Kids podcast about Clara Schumann including music from eight of her compositions, can you answer all three of the quiz questions?

See what makes Clara Schumann unique in this article from Classic FM which includes 11 pictures and facts about Schumann's life.

For more information, check out this Kiddle article about Schumann.

Scroll down and click on "Explore the Composer Map" from Classics for Kids, then click on Germany to see what other composers were born there. 

Can you find all nine Clara Schumann related words in this free word search from Making Music Fun? 

This Google Doodle from 2012 celebrates Schumann's 193 birthday.