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Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann, born on June 8, 1810, in Zwickau, Saxony, was a pivotal figure in the Romantic era of classical music. He was a German composer, pianist, and music critic, renowned for his contributions to piano music, songs (lieder), and orchestral works. Schumann's early life was marked by a strong literary influence from his father, a bookseller and publisher, and he began his musical education at the age of six. Initially pursuing a law degree at the University of Leipzig, Schumann's passion for music led him to study under the piano teacher Friedrich Wieck.

Despite his aspirations to become a virtuoso pianist, a hand injury redirected Schumann's focus entirely to composition. He produced significant piano works such as "Carnaval," "Davidsbündlertänze," and "Kinderszenen." In 1834, Schumann co-founded the "Neue Zeitschrift für Musik," a music journal that became a platform for his critical writings and philosophies on music.

Schumann married Clara Wieck, a distinguished pianist and the daughter of his former teacher, in 1840, after overcoming opposition from her father. This union marked a period of prolific creativity for Schumann, resulting in an outpouring of songs and song cycles, including "Frauenliebe und Leben" and "Dichterliebe." He also ventured into orchestral music, composing four symphonies and various chamber works.

Despite his professional successes, Schumann struggled with mental health issues, which ultimately led to his resignation as the director of music in Düsseldorf. His condition worsened, culminating in an attempt to drown himself in the River Rhine. Rescued and institutionalized, Schumann spent his final years in a sanatorium near Bonn, where he died on July 29, 1856, at the age of 46. His legacy endures through his innovative compositions and his influence on subsequent generations of composers.

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