Robert Schumann Robert Schumann Robert Schumann (; 8 June 181029 July 1856) was a German composer and influential music critic. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Schumann left the study of law, intending to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist. His teacher, Friedrich Wieck, a German pianist, had assured Schumann that Robert could become the finest pianist in Europe, but a hand injury ended this dream. Schumann then focused his musical energies on composing. In 1840, after a long and acrimonious legal battle with Wieck, who opposed the marriage, Schumann married Wieck's daughter
Marie Wieck Marie Wieck Marie Wieck (January 17, 1832 – November 2, 1916) was a German pianist, singer, piano teacher, and composer. She was the daughter of renowned piano teacher Friedrich Wieck, and the sister of Clara Schumann who was some 12 years older. Marie was born in Leipzig. She was trained from an early age in piano and voice by her father Friedrich. Marie's first public appearance was in 1842, when she and her sister Clara performed at a concert in Dresden. She later performed with her father at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. An eminent singer and pianist, Wieck sang in