Robert Schumann initially hoped to become a great pianist, but fairly early in his training he badly injured his right hand, and was no longer able to play at a virtuoso level. Disappointed, but determined to make a career as a musician, Schumann devoted himself to composition.

 

As well as being a great composer himself, Schumann was an important critic. He edited his own musical newspaper, called Die neue Zeitschrift für Musik, and through it he helped support the careers of many important composers, including Frederic Chopin and Hector Berlioz.

 

Robert’s wife, Clara Schumann, was also a gifted composer, though she mostly gave up her own writing in order to promote his work after his death at age 46.