In this powerpoint, which goes along with a podcast, we will be discussing the personal life of Romantic era composer, Robert Schumann.

1. The Personal Life
of Robert Schumann
By Elisabeth Youngdahl

2. Early Life
 Began composing before age 7
 Music and literature
 Father encouraged his passion for
music

3.  Studied law for a
year
“My whole life has been a
struggle between poetry
and prose, or call it music
and law.”
Returned to his love
of music after leaving
law school

4. True Love!
 Clara Wieck, daughter of
Schumann’s piano teacher
 Disapproved of their love!
Schumann and Clara
continued on their forbidden
romance, even though
Wieck’s father kicked Schumann
out of their home.
Married when Clara turned 21

5. Music Criticism
Took to music criticism after living in Clara’s shadow
Wrote exchanges between fictional characters:
Florestan- representing Schumann’s passionate side
Eusebius- Schumann’s introspective side
Raro- a combination of Schumann and Clara Wieck

6. End of Life
 Suffered from fits of
anxiety, suicidal
thoughts
 Attempted to drown
himself
 Died in a mental
institution
 Most likely suffered
from side effects of
syphilis