The Creative Art of Clara Schumann (1819-1896)

Clara Schumann (1819-1896) occupied a major position in the nineteenthcentury musical world. For over half a century, Clara was indisputably one of the foremost pianists of her time, and she enjoyed a fame comparable to that of leading piano virtuosi Franz Liszt (1811-1886), Anton Rubenstein (1829-1894) and Sigismond Thalberg (1812-1871). Edward Hanslick described a concert in 1856 as leaving 'an impression of pure satisfaction experienced when an ideal project is realized harmoniously'.* Her programmes were distinguished by an innovative and sensitive planning. In particular, she premiered new works by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Frederic Chopin (1810-1847) and Robert Schumann (1810- 1856), as well as performances of several sonatas by Beethoven that had never been heard publicly. Thus she helped to create a wide and appreciative audience for these works. Her performing career was one of the longest sustained during the nineteenth century, lasting from 1828 to 1891 and including over 1,300 public recitals