A piano prodigy, Clara Schumann made her professional debut at the age of nine and had embarked on her first European concert tour by the time she was twelve. Clara charmed audiences with her soulful playing throughout her life. Music was a constant source of inspiration and support for this strong and resilient woman. After the death of her husband, Robert Schumann, Clara continued her brilliant career and supported their eight children. Clara Schumann's extraordinary story is supplemented with her letters and diary entries, some of which have never before been published in English. Gorgeous portraits and photographs show the members of Clara's famous musical community and Clara herself from age eight to seventy-six. Index, chronology.

PREFACE

CHAPTER ONE Frederick's Dream

CHAPTER TWO The Debut

CHAPTER THREE Fame-and a Special Friend

CHAPTER FOUR Success and Secrets

CHAPTER FIVE "Does Mr.Schumann Play,Too?"

CHAPTER SIX Mother and Musician

CHAPTER SEVEN The Priestess

EPILOGUE Pieces of a Puzzle

EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF CLARA SCHUMANN

INDEX