Robert Schumann (German: Robert Schumann; June 8, 1810, Zwickau, Union of the Rhine (Germany) - July 29, 1856, Endenich, a suburb of Bonn, German Union) was an outstanding German romantic composer, conductor, music critic and public figure.

Robert Schumann was born in Zwickau on June 8, 1810 in the family of the book publisher August Schumann. After studying for four years at a private school, in 1820 Robert entered the Zwickau Gymnasium and studied there for eight years. He began his musical education at the age of six, took music lessons from a local organist, and at the age of 10 began composing, including choral and orchestral music. In the gymnasium, he got acquainted with the works of the English poet Byron and the German poet Jean-Paul (Jean-Paul Friedrich Richter), becoming their passionate supporter. The moods and images of this romantic literature were later reflected in Schumann's musical work. In 1827, he came under the musical influence of the Austrian composer Franz Schubert and composed several songs in the same year.

As a child, he got used to professional literary work, in particular, he wrote articles for an encyclopedia published by his father's publishing house. And Schuman's school educational works-abstracts were of such a level that they were published posthumously as an appendix to the collection of his mature journalistic works. At a certain period of his youth, Schumann even hesitated whether to become a writer or a musician.

Friedrich Wieck

In 1828, he entered the University of Leipzig, and the following year he transferred to the University of Heidelberg. He thought of becoming a lawyer, but gradually music prevailed, and success in piano lessons inspired him to consider a career as a concert pianist. In 1830, he received permission from his mother to devote himself completely to music and returned to Leipzig, where he hoped to find a suitable mentor. There he began taking piano lessons from Friedrich Wieck and compositions from H. Dorn. Striving to become a true virtuoso, he practiced with fanatical zeal, but this led to trouble: while experimenting with a mechanical device to strengthen the muscles of the hand, he injured his finger, and had to abandon the idea of a professional career as a pianist. Then Schuman seriously engaged in composition and at the same time music criticism. Having found support and cooperation, Schumann was able to found one of the most influential musical periodicals in 1834, the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, which he edited for several years and in which he regularly published his articles. He proved himself to be a supporter of the new and a fighter with the old in art (at least with the old, which was the basis of conservatism and middle class).

Robert and Clara Shuman

At this time, Schumann fell in love with the daughter of his teacher - Clara Wieck, a future outstanding pianist. Young people got married on September 12, 1840. In the year of marriage, Schumann created about 140 songs. Several years of Robert and Clara's life together passed happily. Eight children were born to them; Schumann accompanied his wife on concert trips, and she often performed her husband's music. He continued to compose and teach, and from 1850 to 1853 he directed the concert life of Dusseldorf (as music director). However, in 1854, after worsening mental illness, Schumann attempted suicide and had to be hospitalized in Endenich [de] near Bonn, where he died on July 29, 1856.

The main belt asteroid 4003 Schumann was named after the composer — discovered on March 8, 1964.