On This Day

Robert Schumann

Composer Robert Schumann

Profession: Composer

Nationality:
Germany
German

Biography: German composer and pianist Robert Schumann was one of the leading Romantic era composers. His work spans a wide range of genres including piano works, songs, symphonies, concertos, and chamber music.

Many of his works are inspired by literature, and he was also a prolific writer on music theory and criticism.

His life was marked by personal turmoil and mental illness, which led to his untimely death at the age of 46.

Born: June 8, 1810
Birthplace: Zwickau, Kingdom of Saxony
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: July 29, 1856 (aged 46)

Married Life

  • 1840-09-12 German pianist and composer Robert Schumann (30) marries German pianist and composer Clara Wieck (20), until his death in 1856

Historical Events

  • 1830-04-11 Robert Schumann hears the violinist Paganini play in Frankfurt
  • 1841-03-31 1st performance of Robert Schumann's 1st Symphony in B
  • 1841-12-06 Robert Schumann's 4th Symphony in D premieres
  • 1843-12-04 Robert Schumann's "Das Paradies und die Peri" premieres in Leipzig
  • 1846-11-05 Robert Schumann's 2nd Symphony in C premieres at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany, with Felix Mendelssohn conducting
  • 1851-02-06 Robert Schumann's 3rd Symphony "Rhenisch" premieres in Dusseldorf
  • 1854-02-27 German composer Robert Schumann saved from suicide attempt in Rhine River
  • 1994-12-01 Manuscript by Robert Schumann of his 2nd Symphony sells for $2.3M, a record for any 19th century work, at auction in London, England

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