Helena performs Clara Schumann’s Polonaise, Op. 6, No. 6

Clara Schumann (1819-1896), a German pianist and composer, emerged as one of the most distinguished musicians of the Romantic era. Born Clara Wieck in Leipzig, she was the daughter of Friedrich Wieck, a prominent piano teacher. Under her father’s strict tutelage, she began her piano training at a very young age, and by the age of nine, she was already performing publicly. Her marriage to the composer Robert Schumann marked a partnership of mutual artistic influence.

Renowned for her technical proficiency and expressive depth, Clara Schumann’s concert career spanned over six decades. She championed the works of Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, significantly contributing to their recognition. Despite societal constraints on women composers, she composed a range of works including piano pieces, lieder, and chamber music. Her legacy extends beyond her compositions to her influence on piano playing and her role in shaping the Romantic musical canon.