2. Early Life
Began composing before age 7
Music and literature
Father encouraged his passion for
music
3. Studied law for a
year
“My whole life has been a
struggle between poetry
and prose, or call it music
and law.”
Returned to his love
of music after leaving
law school
4. True Love!
Clara Wieck, daughter of
Schumann’s piano teacher
Disapproved of their love!
Schumann and Clara
continued on their forbidden
romance, even though
Wieck’s father kicked Schumann
out of their home.
Married when Clara turned 21
5. Music Criticism
Took to music criticism after living in Clara’s shadow
Wrote exchanges between fictional characters:
Florestan- representing Schumann’s passionate side
Eusebius- Schumann’s introspective side
Raro- a combination of Schumann and Clara Wieck
6. End of Life
Suffered from fits of
anxiety, suicidal
thoughts
Attempted to drown
himself
Died in a mental
institution
Most likely suffered
from side effects of
syphilis