Clara Schumann|A Child Prodigy Who Didn’t Speak Till The Age Of Four

Even after two centuries of her birth, the multitalented prodigy, Clara Schumann, is recognized as a 19th-century power woman. She was a composer, critic, pianist, impresario, and celebrity. Born in Germany, Clara Schumann didn’t speak till the age of 4. But as soon as she turned seven, she was practicing the piano for three hours a day and soon mastered it. The child prodigy was able to compose her own pieces at 10 and made her first concert debut when she was 11. We can also say that she was a multitalented prodigy. Clara Schumann left an indestructible mark on music life.

Beginning Of The Musical Journey

Clara Schumann was born on September 13, 1819  in Leipzig. Her father, Friedrich Wieck, was a prominent piano teacher and also a piano factory’s founder. When Clara was five, his father started to teach him piano. She learned foreign languages, complemented by long physical exercise, which helped her to build her strength. At the age of nine, Clara gave her piano debut in the Leipzig Gewandhaus. After that, his father had his daughter’s opus 1 published, which was “Four Polonaises.”

The child prodigy, Clara, went on extended concert tours with his father. Starting from Germany, later they went to Paris and other foreign destinations. Clara’s way of playing was passionate. 

A Celebrated Pianist – Clara Schumann

Clara was the wife of Robert Schumann, a little-known composer. Despite eight live births, and 10 pregnancies, she gave around 139 performances in the 14 years when they were together. She gave performances in Germany in 1842, Russia in 1844, Vienna in1846, and the Netherlands in 1853. On tour, Robert had to deal with feelings of inferiority at the side of his famous wife. She, for her part, played his works and made them famous to an international audience.

Clara Schumann seems to have accepted society’s attitude at that time, according to which only men could compose. She proved the society wrong and said, “Of course, it’s also a lady’s work, always lacking in power, and here and there uninspired.”

Leaving Her Impression In Modern Concert Life

The child prodigy, Clara Schumann became the “First Piano Teacher” at Dr. Hoch’s Conservatory in Frankfurt. She used to give lessons in her apartment on Mylius Street. Before long, Clara’s students were calling it “Tears and Sighs Street”: Two of her daughters were supporting her in teaching. The child prodigy left her traces that are still used in modern concert life.

Death – Clara Schumann

Clara died on May 20, 1896 in Frankfurt, when she was 77 years old. Apart from her amazing compositions, her most indelible influence probably rests in her concert programs. She was the 19th century’s most prominent woman pianist, and her contribution to music is incredible.

The Global Child Prodigy remembers this great musician, and this article a small tribute to her. If you know any such prodigy close to you, make sure to click here.

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