Clara schumann

The Life of Clara Schumann

  • Clara Schumann is Born

    In September of 1819 Clara Schumann (maiden name Wieck) is born to Marianne and Friedrich Wieck. Both of Clara parents were highly involved in music and musicality ran in the family. It was clear from a young age that Clara would follow in her parents footsteps and become a musician.
  • Clara Makes Her Debut

    When Clara was only 9 she made her premier performance with the Leipzig Gewandhaus a German symphony orchestra.
  • Clara's First Solo Performance

    At the age of 11 Clara performed solo for the Leipzig Gewandhaus
  • Clara Performes in Vienna

    Clara Performes in Vienna
    In 1837 Clara performed for an audience in Vienna. She was later appointed "k.k. Kammervirtuosin to the Austrian court and an honorary member of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde"
  • Clara and Robert Marry

    Clara and Robert Marry
    Despite a legal battle with her father over the relationship, Clara married her teenage love Robert Schumann the day before her 21st birthday.
  • Clara and Robert Start a Family

    Clara and Robert Start a Family
    Between 1841 and 1854 the Schumann's had 8 children, Marie, Elise, Julie, Emil, Ludwig, Ferdinand, Eugenie, and Felix.
  • Robert Passes Away

    Robert Passes Away
    After a prolonged battle with mental illness including a suicide attempt in 1854 Robert Schumann was hospitalized. Clara was forbidden to visit him until the last two days before his death in July of 1856.
  • Clara Becomes a Teacher

    Clara Becomes a Teacher
    Clara became the principal piano teacher at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt. She continued performing during this time and even attracted students with her performances.
  • Clara's Last Performance

    In 1891 Clara made her last public appearance as a pianist.
  • Clara's Death

    Clara continued to live a life devoted to teaching up until her death at age 76.