Schumann, Clara (Josephine)
Schumann, Clara (Josephine) (née Wieck) (b Leipzig, 1819; d Frankfurt, 1896). Ger. pianist and composer, wife of Robert Schumann. Daughter and pupil of F. Wieck. Début aged 9. Toured Ger. 1831 and elsewhere in Europe from 1832. Overcame fierce parental opposition to marriage to Schumann 1840, becoming his foremost interpreter. Toured Russia 1844. First visit to Eng. 1856, often thereafter to 1888. Lived in Berlin 1856–63. Head of pf. faculty, Hoch Cons., Frankfurt, 1878–92. Championed Brahms in his youth and remained lifelong friend. Last public perf. 1891. Comp. pf. conc. (in A minor) (1836), pf. trio (1847), pf. concertino (1847), many pf. pieces, several songs, and cadenzas for concs. by Mozart and Beethoven. Had distinguished pupils. Was renowned for the breadth and integrity of her playing.
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Schumann, Clara (Josephine)
