Robert Schumann

Robert Schumann, born on 8 June 1810 in Zwickau, was a German composer, pianist, and music critic, pivotal to the Romantic era's musical landscape. His ambitions as a virtuoso pianist ended due to a hand injury, turning his focus to composing. Marrying Clara Wieck in 1840, he enriched his artistic journey with her support. Schumann initially composed for piano and later expanded into orchestral, choral, and chamber music. His interest in music was intertwined with a passion for literature, with influences reflected in his compositions, which included renowned works like 'Carnaval' and 'Kinderszenen.' His editorship for the 'Neue Zeitschrift für Musik' allowed him to shape musical discourse. Schumann's life was marred by mental illness, thought to be bipolar disorder combined with possible mercury poisoning, leading to his death at 46 after a suicide attempt and subsequent residency in an asylum.