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
Clara Perra Clara Perra Clara Perra (Naples November 1954 - Roseto degli Abruzzi - August 2015) was an Italian solo percussionist , music educator, pianist and composer. She was the first Italian woman to hold concerts of percussion instruments and to teach them in State conservatories. Author of compositions and educational works, Clara Perra won several national auditions and an international competition, at the Orchestra of the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. She played at the Italy on Stage festival in New York and in several concert tours she performed in repertoires ranging from classics transcribed for vibraphone, like Schumann, Bach