Robert Schumann Quotes

A collection of quotes by Robert Schumann.

Robert Schumann (1810-1856) was a German composer, pianist, and music critic whose innovative works greatly influenced the Romantic era of classical music. Born on June 8, 1810, in Zwickau, Germany, Schumann displayed exceptional musical talent from an early age.

Schumann initially pursued a career as a concert pianist but was forced to abandon his aspirations due to a hand injury. This setback led him to focus on composing and music criticism. Schumann made significant contributions to the piano repertoire with his compositions, which were characterized by strong emotions, imaginative melodies, and profound harmonic language.

Known for his intense and deeply personal style, Schumann's music often reflected his turbulent emotions and struggles with mental illness. He composed over four hundred works encompassing symphonies, chamber music, choral compositions, and numerous piano pieces. Among his notable compositions are the piano cycles "Kinderszenen" and "Carnaval," the song cycles "Dichterliebe" and "Frauenliebe und Leben," and the symphonies "Spring" and "Rhenish."

Alongside his musical endeavors, Schumann also played a crucial role in music journalism, co-founding the influential music magazine Neue Zeitschrift für Musik. Through his writings, he championed the works of contemporary composers, including Johannes Brahms and Frédéric Chopin, and developed critical theories on music aesthetics.

Despite his significant contributions to the musical world, Schumann's mental health severely deteriorated in the later years of his life. He was committed to a mental asylum in 1854, where he remained until his death on July 29, 1856, in Endenich, Germany. Schumann's immense musical legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.