We are continuing our exploration of 2nd movements of romantic piano concertos with Schumann Piano Concerto No. 1. #PianoAdagios
Robert Schumann (1810–1856) was a German composer, pianist, and influential music critic. He initially studied law at Leipzig University, then abandoned it to pursue piano under Friedrich Wieck. A self-inflicted hand injury (from a mechanical device to strengthen his fingers) ended his virtuoso aspirations. In 1840 he decided to marry his teacher’s daughter Clara, but this spilled into a legal battle with Wieck. He married Clara, a prodigious pianist, with whom he had eight children. His bipolar disorder and syphilis led to a 1854 suicide attempt, institutionalization, and death at 46.
Schumann’s role in classical music was pivotal as a Romantic pioneer. As founder of the New Journal for Music, he championed emerging talents like Chopin, Brahms (whom he hailed as a “genius”), and Berlioz.
Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 — his only completed piano concerto — was finished in 1845 and premiered on December 4, 1845, in Dresden with Clara Schumann as soloist.
Full concerto:
