Robert Alexander Schumann
Robert Alexander Schumann, (1810-56). German composer. Schumann had piano lessons as a child but was sent to Leipzig University to study law. There he neglected his studies for music and fell in love with the pianist Clara Wieck. Despite her father’s opposition, they were married in 1840. Both were fine pianists, but Robert Schumann had to give up his career as a per-former after an accident damaged one of his fingers. Schumann was periodically ill with a nervous complaint and in 1852 suffered a mental collapse. After attempting to commit suicide he was confined to an asylum, where he died two years later. His works include four symphonies, a piano concerto, chamber music, and songs.
