Auf einer Burg Op.39 no.7

Robert Schumann was born on the 8 June 1810, in Zwickau, Germany.

Schumann was a composer of many genre including solo piano, voice with piano, chamber groups, orchestra, as well as choir and opera. He was also a pianist, and music critic. His works are typical of the Romantic German music of the time.



Robert Schumann’s father was a bookseller and publisher. After four years at a private school, Robert entered the Zwickau Gymnasium (high school) in 1820 where he stayed for eight years. He began his musical education at the age of six, studying the piano.

In 1828 Schumann left school and was encouraged to study law at the University in Leipzig. While in Leipzig he studied the piano seriously with the celebrated teacher, Friedrich Wieck. It was there that he first met his future wife, Wieck’s nine-year-old daughter Clara. Clara, also studying piano with her father was a brilliant pianist who was just setting out on a successful concert career.

Clara and Robert were later married, against her father's wishes, on 12 September 1840. Clara was to be his enduring support through out their marriage and his later illness. 

Despite a relatively short marriage (Robert died in 1856) they had 8 children.

In the Autumn of 1853, Robert met Johannes Brahms. Brahms quickly became a close friend of Robert, as well as the entire Schumann family. But Brahms' friendship with Robert was to be short lived as in 1854 Robert Schumann was hospitalised with a neurological illness.

During this difficult time, Brahms at 21 years old, was a close friend and constant support to the Schumann family.

When Robert died in 1856 Brahms continued his support of Clara and her children. Their friendship continued until Clara’s death in 1896. Brahms died in 1897, less than a year after Clara Schumann. He never married.

Robert Schumann died 29 July 1856, in Endenich, Bonn, Germany.