Clara Schumann: The Trailblazing Virtuoso Who Defied Societal Norms

Clara Schumann: The Trailblazing Virtuoso Who Defied Societal Norms

Early Life and Musical Upbringing Clara Schumann was born on September 13, 1819, in Leipzig, Germany, into a family that embraced music as a pivotal element of life. Her father, Friedrich Wieck, was a highly regarded piano teacher and music pedagogue, who recognized Clara’s prodigious talent early on. Under his instruction, she began taking piano … Read more

Beethoven’s Deafness at the Premiere of His Ninth Symphony

The Background of Beethoven’s Deafness Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most celebrated composers in Western music, experienced an alarming deterioration in his hearing that began in his late 20s and continued through his life. The onset of deafness has been attributed to various causes, including lead poisoning, syphilis, or even a genetic predisposition to … Read more