Full Description
Clara Schumann (1819-1896), child prodigy, celebrated concert pianist, composer, and friend of Brahms, was also the wife of composer Robert Schumann. Her father Friedrich Wieck's implacable opposition to their marriage, the sublime music she inspired in Schumann and his tragic death at a cruelly young age underlie one of music's great romances. The German literary historian Berthold Litzmann (1857-1926) first published his biography in three volumes between 1902 and 1908, based on the diaries and letters of Robert and Clara Schumann. Appearing in 1913, this two-volume English translation by Grace Hadow (1875-1940) is an abridged version of the German fourth edition, offering a lucid portrait of a central figure in nineteenth-century European musical life. A preface is provided by the translator's elder brother, William Henry Hadow (1859-1937), the music historian. Volume 1 covers the years 1819 to 1850.
Contents
Translator's preface; Author's preface; Errata; 1. Childhood 1819-34; 2. Hoarfrost 1834-5; 3. Lost and found 1836-7; 4. Youthful fame 1837-8; 5. Hopes and projects 1838-9; 6. In foreign lands 1839-40; 7. Final struggles 1839-40; 8. April showers and sunshine 1840-4; 9. Silent growth 1844-50; Index.
