Clara (Wieck) Schumann

• Genre: Romantic

About

Granted, her married name might evidence her more historically venerated husband, but German-born composer and virtuoso pianist Clara Weick married down. She was born in 1819 and a child prodigy in the truest sense, establishing herself as one of Europe's most brilliant pianists long before she got hitched to composer Robert Schumann, with whom she had seven children. A gifted teacher and astute composer in her own right, she was known for her fluid expressionism and thoughtful interpretations; she also was the first concert pianist to institute the practice of recital memorization. When Robert died in 1854, she ceased composing and compiled a complete edition of his music. She cultivated a close platonic relationship to Brahms, who was rumored to love her deeply. She died on the 20th of May, 1896.

- Nate Cavalieri