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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

Robert Alexander Schumann was born in 1810, in Zwickau, south of Leipzig in Germany. He studied Law at Leipzig and Heidelberg Universities but later went on to pursue his main interests of music and romantic literature.

In 1828 he met Clara Wieck, a brilliant pianist whom he later married against her father's wishes. He studied piano and composition, and was so keen he injured his hand with a device he invented to immobilise his 4th finger whilst practising! (Don't even think of trying it!!!)

He played a great part in bringing Chopin's genius to public attention. He also visited Vienna and discovered Franz Schubert's Great C Major symphony manuscript, which he sent to Felix Mendelssohn. He also promoted the work of the 20 year old Johannes Brahms. Clara's influence inspired an outpouring of songs and song-cycles. But he later concentrated on symphonies, chamber music (for small ensembles) and choral works. His was a genius which has inspired many younger musicians throughout the world.

Schumann taught composition at Leipzig Conservatoire, where Arthur Sullivan later became a student. A teacher whose influence on our Arthur certainly lasted beyond his own lifetime. Robert suffered from bouts of severe depression, and once tried to drown himself in the Rhine. He eventually died aged 46 in a private asylum, one of music's brightest stars. Here are some of his miniatures to give a flavour of the great musician's work. 

He composed many fine and famous pieces of music. You will have heard (or heard of) his very beautiful piano concerto in A minor. You haven't? Then you are missing a treat. Get a copy from your library and listen, or better still go to a live performance. However you hear it, it is a must. Once you have heard it I think you will agree it is one the most listenable musical greats.  Sorry. I'm getting carried away. But I mean it . . .

In the meantime . . .

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