Romantic Era Visionary

Robert Schumann (1810–1856) was a German composer and pianist of the early Romantic era. He began piano lessons at age six and showed an early gift for capturing character and emotion in melody. He composed in all the main musical genres of the time, writing for solo piano, voice and piano, orchestra, chamber groups, choir, and opera. His works typify the spirit of the Romantic era in German music.

Schumann’s life was a dramatic struggle between creative genius and severe mental illness, marked by intense mood swings, creative bursts followed by deep depression, public breakdowns, and even a suicide attempt in the Rhine River, which led to confinement in an asylum.

After a courtship of five years and a long legal battle with her father (who opposed the match), Schumann married the piano virtuoso Clara Wieck on September 12, 1840. During a remarkably productive period in 1841, Schumann finished a draft of the Symphony No. 4 over the course of the first week in June. In a diary entry on May 31, Clara noted, “Robert’s mind is very creative now. I have heard nothing of it as yet, but from seeing Robert’s doings, and from hearing a D minor echoing wildly in the distance, I know in advance that this will be another work that is emerging from the depths of his soul.”

Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 is a romantic masterpiece with four movements seamlessly linked – a radical idea for that time. At its musical core is the "Clara Theme." With a dark, brooding introduction through intense passion, a sorrowful Romanze, and a fiery Scherzo, the work culminates in a triumphant finale. The piece reflects Schumann's emotional journey from turmoil to joy, a "dream" becoming reality.  

Schumann's sweepingly melodic themes and gift for profound emotional expression are on full display.