Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Born at Zwickav, Saxony, Bonn, Germany on June 8, 1810; died in Endenich, near Bonn, Germany on July 29, 1856. One of the most cultivated and intellectual of all composers. His articles for the magazine "Neve Zeitschnift fur Musik" which he founded and edited, were models of musical journalism. He was a leader of the Romantic school, and hid essential lyrical and emotional outlook -- shared by Schumann and Chopin -- is seen at it's best in his piano works and songs. However, his works on a larger scale -- the opera "Genoveva", the Symphonies and chamber works, etc. are still great favorites in concert programs. It may seem strange aat first that the introspective and often morose and silent man suck as Schumann (who died in a mental home) should have written so understandingly and sympathetically for children. But there is evidence, in stories of his family life (his wife was the world famous pianist, Clara Schumann, who edited the Collected Edition of his works published after his death), that he was a loving and attentive father to his young children.