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Book Review
Feb. 1st, 2012 05:39 pmThe Life of Robert Schumann
by Michael Musgrave
This is another volume in the excellent Musical Lives series by Cambridge University Press. Musgrave puts a surprising amount of depth into this brief biography of Schumann. He focuses on Schumann's development as a musician and composer, detailing his struggles to establish himself in the music world of 19th century Germany. His music can be pretty odd, and this focus put it into perspective and context very well. Schumann's life was fairly troubled, and Musgrave handles that aspect of the narrative very well, eschewing melodrama and speculation. I especially liked the way Musgrave emphasized Schumann's self-awareness when it came to his mental health issues. I also enjoyed Musgraves balanced and sympathetic treatment of Clara - he presents her as an artist in her own right and as an artistic partner to Robert, not just as wife, mother, and muse.
by Michael Musgrave
This is another volume in the excellent Musical Lives series by Cambridge University Press. Musgrave puts a surprising amount of depth into this brief biography of Schumann. He focuses on Schumann's development as a musician and composer, detailing his struggles to establish himself in the music world of 19th century Germany. His music can be pretty odd, and this focus put it into perspective and context very well. Schumann's life was fairly troubled, and Musgrave handles that aspect of the narrative very well, eschewing melodrama and speculation. I especially liked the way Musgrave emphasized Schumann's self-awareness when it came to his mental health issues. I also enjoyed Musgraves balanced and sympathetic treatment of Clara - he presents her as an artist in her own right and as an artistic partner to Robert, not just as wife, mother, and muse.
