Mary Cohen

Clara Josephine Wieck, known as Clara Schumann, was a renowned German musician and composer, celebrated as one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era. Born on September 13, 1819, in Leipzig, she was the daughter of Friedrich Wieck and acclaimed singer Mariane née Tromlitz. Clara's early education was strictly overseen by her father, who was intent on shaping her musical career, which resulted in her receiving extensive training in piano, violin, theory, harmony, and composition. Clara's prodigious talent led to a successful concert career from an early age. At 20, she married Robert Schumann, and their partnership became central to the Romantic musical scene, nurturing careers of Johannes Brahms and other musicians. After her husband's early death, Clara continued to perform while educating new talents at Dr. Hoch's Konservatorium in Frankfurt. Her compositional work, though lesser-known, includes piano concertos, chamber music, and songs.