History Vs Her Story

"Passion one might take for granted - its control is the mechanism through which all else flows," notes Clara Wieck.

How many music lovers are familiar with the name 'Clara Wieck'?

Clara was recognized as the foremost concert pianist of her day, noted for her 'sober style and fidelity to the score' in an age when head-tossing displays of showmanship in the manner of Liszt were all the rage. At the age of 18, in 1837 the Emperor honored Clara with the title of Royal and Imperial Virtuoso. Her father continued to be her teacher and manager.

Friedrich Wieck was known as the most respected and tyrannical piano teacher in the Leipzig area. A later entry in his stern handwriting observes: "Father deserves my greatest devotion and gratitude for his ceaseless efforts on my behalf.

"Clara's life is a true love story. As a result of the long and close relationship as teacher-pupil, he knew Robert better than anyone.

Friedrich initiated court proceedings to stop the marriage and accused Schumann of everything from promiscuity to poor handwriting. He actually spent time in prison for his slander against Robert. Clara won the case after many months of court battle. It would appear that the misery of being Friedrich Wieck's daughter was matched only by the misery of becoming Robert Schumann's wife. Schumann's irrational outbursts were undoubtedly the product of his degenerative disease, magnified by his deep insecurities because his wife was one of the best of Europe's classical pianists and so much more highly valued than a struggling composer.

Sadly, her own potential as a composer was never realized because of her devotion to her family of eight children and deeply mentally and emotional disturbed husband. Robert Schumann died in a lunatic asylum in 1856 after a suicide attempt. Clara dedicated her remaining years to ensuring that all of Robert's music was edited and published.In life Clara overshadowed Robert as a widely respected musician throughout Europe. Ironically, in death he has completely overshadowed Clara. This is largely due to Clara's own dedicated work in making Robert famous posthumously, instead of concentrating her energies on her great works.Documented history during that period chose to acknowledge men above women.