This finely written, comprehensively researched biography “attempts to free” Robert Schumann from “preconceptions about mental illness that have dominated almost every account of him” since his death in 1856. Because Schumann ended his days in an asylum, biographers and musicologists have tended to interpret his entire life, and his work as a musician, “in the shadow of his final illness.” Worthen has assembled a host of primary and secondary sources to oppose this view, such as diaries, letters, and financial records of Robert and Clara Schumann; memoirs by their contemporaries; the accounts of previous biographers; and medical records (including Schumann’s autopsy) documenting what was known about his illness both at the time and afterwards. This evidence, Worthen concludes, “shows that although he suffered episodes of severe anxiety, and at times was both depressed and exhilarated, Schumann never approached a state for which diagnoses like ‘bipolar disorder’ or ‘schizophrenia’ would be appropriate.”
Certainly, Schumann’s life (which Worthen chronicles in almost day-to-day detail) offered many opportunities for joy and sorrow. His sometimes heedless youth was darkened by the early deaths of family members and close friends. His marriage to pianist Clara Wieck brought lasting happiness, but it took place only after an agonizing struggle with Clara’s domineering father. While Schumann’s music quickly gained acceptance from his peers (friends included Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn, and later Joachim and Brahms), Clara’s frequent pregnancies limited her career as a performer, and supporting seven children on Robert’s variable income left family finances often insecure. From about 1845, Schumann was beset—and, at times, depressed or panicked—by a baffling array of transitory illnesses. Despite enduring legends of bipolarity or schizophrenia, Worthen demonstrates that the composer coped with these illnesses successfully, and that his life remained happy and productive almost to the end. Schumann’s sudden derangement, early in 1854, struck his friends and family like a thunderbolt. Unknown to them, its cause was syphilis, which Robert had contracted, at age 21, from a servant in the home of Friedrich Wieck, Clara’s father and his piano teacher at the time. Worthen includes enough medical information (little of which was available to Schumann’s doctors) to establish the diagnosis beyond doubt.
For all its tragic ending, this biography remains an entertaining read. Worthen paints on a broad canvas: two of his most fascinating chapters involve a trip to Russia and the German revolutions of 1848-1849. Schumann emerges as the quintessential Romantic—composing masterpieces at an amazing rate, but too uncommunicative in his conducting style to hold a job.
Regarding the composer’s music, Worthen assiduously chronicles each work as it appears, but elects to “leave analysis of [Schumann’s] music to those qualified to undertake it.” If perhaps a little disappointing, for a non-musicologist this was probably a sound decision. As the author states clearly in his preface, his purpose is to tell us of Robert Schumann’s life. And that he has done extremely well.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Frequently bought together
$25.00
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
Only 1 left in stock (more on the way).
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
