Clara Schumann Quotes

Powerful Clara Schumann for Daily Growth

About Clara Schumann

Clara Josephine Schumann (née Wieck), born on September 13, 1819, in Leipzig, Germany, was a renowned pianist, composer, and music educator, who significantly influenced the musical world of the Romantic era. The daughter of virtuoso pianist and music pedagogue Friedrich Wieck, Clara began her piano lessons at just seven years old. Her prodigious talent quickly gained attention, and she became a beloved figure in Leipzig's cultural circles. In 1830, Clara began a tumultuous romantic relationship with Robert Schumann, who would later become one of the most prominent composers of the Romantic era. Despite her father's initial disapproval, they secretly married in 1840 and established a harmonious family life together, which included eight children. Their collaboration and shared passion for music resulted in Clara's transcription of Robert's works for piano and their collaborative performances that dazzled audiences across Europe. As a composer, Clara Schumann focused primarily on chamber music and song cycles, often setting her own poems to music. Her major works include the Piano Concerto in A minor (1835), Carnaval (1836), the Phantasie-Stücke for clarinet and piano (1853), and her collection of songs, My Youth (1849). Clara Schumann's influence extended beyond her compositions as she became one of the first women to conduct a symphony orchestra in public, and she trained many young musicians, including Johannes Brahms. After Robert's mental breakdown and institutionalization in 1854, Clara took on the role of both wife and provider, managing her husband's career and raising their children. She continued to perform and compose until her death on May 20, 1896. Clara Schumann's legacy as a trailblazing musician and groundbreaking woman in music endures today, with her compositions continuing to inspire musicians worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"In my mind I hear his music, in my heart I feel his love."

This quote by Clara Schumann reflects her deep emotional connection to Robert Schumann, both as a composer (the "music" she hears) and as a lover (the "love" she feels). It suggests an enduring bond between them, where their shared passion for music and their personal relationship intertwined. The quote conveys the profound impact Robert Schumann had on her life, both artistically and emotionally.


"To send a soul soaring, music is like a ship, it sails without wind, without oars."

Clara Schumann's quote suggests that, like a ship sailing without wind or oars, music has the unique ability to transport the human spirit, moving it beyond physical boundaries and limitations, effortlessly. This evocative comparison emphasizes the transcendent power of music to stir deep emotions and uplift the soul.


"A woman's very special, she has to combine the strength of a man with the weakness of a child."

This quote suggests that Clara Schumann perceived women as having a unique blend of qualities, embodying both strength and vulnerability. The "strength of a man" might refer to resilience, determination, or leadership abilities often associated with men, while the "weakness of a child" could denote emotional sensitivity, compassion, or innocence, traits often connected with childhood. This balance, according to Schumann, is what makes women special and sets them apart. However, it's important to note that this quote may not fully capture modern perspectives on gender roles and abilities, as it reflects the societal norms of its time.


"It's not the destination, it's the journey that counts."

Clara Schumann's quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the end result. It suggests that the personal growth, experiences, and lessons learned during a journey are more valuable than simply reaching the final destination or achieving a goal. This perspective encourages patience, resilience, and enjoyment of life's journey instead of just fixating on the end-point, fostering a mindset of self-discovery and fulfillment throughout one's endeavors.


"Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, sacred things."

Clara Schumann's quote emphasizes the transcendent power of music as a means to express deep, profound, and spiritual ideas or emotions. She suggests that music serves as a unique language or vehicle for sharing these sacred aspects of our existence in a way that is beautiful and uplifting. In essence, she sees music as a divine medium, capable of touching the soul and transcending human limitations, thereby helping us understand and appreciate the sublime nature of life.


I do not want horses or diamonds - I am happy in possessing you.

- Clara Schumann

Diamonds, Valentine's Day, Possessing

I cannot give a single concert at which I do not play one piece after the other in an agony of terror because my memory threatens to fail me. This fear torments me for days beforehand.

- Clara Schumann

Play, Give, Which, Threatens

Why hurry over beautiful things? Why not linger and enjoy them?

- Clara Schumann

Beauty, Beautiful, Over, Why Not

Treasures are no longer to be got by instrumental art.

- Clara Schumann

Art, Treasures, Longer, Instrumental

Is an artist much more than a beggar?

- Clara Schumann

Artist, More, Than, Beggar

My health may be better preserved if I exert myself less, but in the end doesn't each person give his life for his calling?

- Clara Schumann

Health, Give, May, In The End

I cannot be so bad when everybody is so fond of me.

- Clara Schumann

Me, Bad, Everybody, Fond

There is nothing greater than the joy of composing something oneself and then listening to it.

- Clara Schumann

Listening, Joy, Nothing, Composing

The tea is ice-cold, the room grows colder and colder, but I grow warmer and warmer.

- Clara Schumann

Tea, Grow, Grows, Warmer

My imagination can picture no fairer happiness than to continue living for art.

- Clara Schumann

Happiness, Art, Living, Fairer

If I have known much trouble in my youth, I have also known much joy.

- Clara Schumann

Joy, Known, Also, Trouble

Every man has his faults; I have and so have you - you will allow me to say so!

- Clara Schumann

Will, Allow, His, Faults

I wish to lead a life free from care, and I see that I shall be unhappy if I cannot always work at my art.

- Clara Schumann

Art, Always, I Wish, Unhappy

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