Clara Schumann introduced many of Robert Schumann's piano works to the public including his Kreisleriana.

As much as Robert admired Clara's talents, he wanted a quiet, stable home life. Clara wanted to provide that life to Robert, but she was a child of the performing life. Soon after they were married, she began talking about concert tours. Clara did not want to be forgotten, and she was always mindful of family finances.

CS: November 8 1840: Everyone keeps asking why I don't travel -- I will fall into total oblivion and a few years from now, when we will want to make a tour, who knows what other artistic matters people will be occupied with. I want so much to travel this and maybe also next winter, and then to withdraw from the public, live for my home, and give lessons. we can then live without worries -- think it over once more very thoroughly, my dear husband.

RS: November 22 1840: A quiet week, which went by with composing and much loving and kissing. My wife is love, kindness, and unpretentiousness itself. What concerns me, and dear Clara forgive me, so long as I am young and strong, I really want to create and work as long as possible, even if the demons were no longer to compel me.

CS: November 29 1840: For several days Robert has been very cold toward me; although the reason is very gratifying indeed and no one can be more sincerely interested in everything he undertakes than I, yet this coldness sometimes hurt me, who would least deserve it. Forgive me for this complaint my dear Robert -- but once in a while reason must give way to emotion.

I don't get to play at all nowadays; partly my being unwell prevents it, partly Robert's composing. If only it were possible to resolve the evil of the thin walls; I unlearn everything and because of that might become very melancholic.

RS: February 14 1841: Were I only well enough to describe really beautifully what has happened. But of course you know most of it. The symphony gave me many happy hours; it is nearly finished; it will be a complete work only when it has been heard. Now however, after many sleepless nights there is also debilitation; I feel the way a young woman must feel, who has just delivered a baby -- so relieved, so happy, and yet sick and in pain. This too is know to my Clara, and now she snuggles up to me twice as gently, for which I will surely want to repay her later. I would have had to search among millions to find someone who gives as much consideration, as much attention as she does. Now let me kiss you, my good wife whom I love and esteem ever more!

CS: May 1841: Finally it is here, the beautiful month of May. What a sun, what a sky, these are blissful days, which cheer one's innermost feelings. Nevertheless, for the past week, my poor Robert has not been feeling well at all and sometimes worries me -- he does too little for himself and depends too much on his good constitution.

We now go walking a great deal, and enjoy the beautiful fresh green all over; even in my tiny little garden the cherry trees bloom and the young vegetables germinate. I truly lack nothing for my happiness, were it not for an occasional melancholic glance to future which saddens me -- but which my Robert knows how to chase away immediately.

RS: September 17 1841: On the 1st of September God gave us through my Clara, a girl. The preceding hours were painful; I will not forget the night. So much stood in danger; once, for one minute it so overwhelmed me that I did not know how to control myself. But I relied on Clara's strong nature, her love for me-- how would I be able to describe all that. Ten minutes to eleven in the morning the little one arrived, accompanied by lightning and thunder, as a storm filled the sky just then. How proud I am to have a wife who, in addition to her love and her art, has also given me such a present. Now the hours flew by with mingled joy and worry.

CS: September 1841: You have described the past few days with such affectionate words, my precious Robert, that I don't know what to add other than that. I am very happy to have a child by him who is dearest to me in this world. Each day I think I cannot love him more than that, and yet it seems to me as though I love you more daily.

Nar: Clara bore Robert eight children. There were two miscarriages. They loved their children, but especially their first born, Marie. Despite the new joy in their lives, the old insecurities and fears haunted Clara.

CS: November 1842 An indescribable sadness has fallen over me the last few days -- I think you don't love me as you did. I often feel so clearly that I cannot suffice for you, and when you are gentle, then I sometimes attribute that to your good heart, which does not want to hurt me. Many sad thoughts about the future which often don't leave for days on end, which I cannot dispel at all, are now added to this grief, so that you must be tolerant with me occasionally. I want to wait on you hand and foot, to show life to you in only its rosiest colors, how I love you so infinitely. My most terrible thought is that you should have to work for money, because that simply cannot make you happy, and yet if you do not let me work as well, if you cut off every means to me to earn something, I see no way out. It pains me most deeply when I have to ask you for money, and to give me what you have earned. I often feel that this must rob your life of all poetry.

Nar: Clara and Robert's shared passion for music produced both friction and fruitful collaboration. The problem of maintaining two active careers caused problems between Robert and Clara during their whole marriage; Clara loved touring-- Robert hated it; Robert needed quiet to compose -- that meant Clara couldn't practice. But they complemented each other in many ways; Robert introduced her to literature and musical repertoire; Clara promoted his music in her concerts. They encouraged each other to compose.

RS: Come on write a song! Once you've begun you won't be able to pull yourself away. It's entirely too enticing.

CS: Be merciful my friend! And look with kindness on these poor birthday gifts given in love.

RS: The best Clara has written yet.

Nar: Robert Schumann was proud of his wife's songwriting. He encouraged her to compose throughout their marriage. Robert was less than enthusiastic about her concert touring. Clara traveled to Denmark, without Robert, in early 1842. During that tour, her father Friedrich Wieck, still disapproving, spread the rumor that Robert and Clara were separated. A year later, Wieck's attitude seemed to have changed. There were now two grandchildren, and Robert was beginning to make his mark as a composer. Friedrich Wieck sent him an invitation:

FW: December 16 1843: For Clara's sake and the world's, we can no longer keep each other at a distance. You too are now a family man -- is a longer explanation needed? Where art is concerned we have always agreed -- I was even your teacher -- my judgments determined the course of your present career. I don't need to assure you that I will cooperate with your talent and support your beautiful and genuine efforts. You are joyfully expected in Dresden by your father, Friedrich Wieck.

Nar: Clara was thrilled; Robert had misgivings. It meant a trip to Dresden from Leipzig for a reunion. The Wiecks and the Schumanns spent Christmas together, but there was little thawing of the relationship. Robert and Clara used the time to discuss a trip to Russia. Robert, as usual, didn't want to go despite the encouragement of both Wieck and their friend, Felix Mendelssohn. Robert finally gave in. He hoped that the trip would mean greater exposure for his music.

It was winter in Russia, traveling conditions were difficult. Clara had a grueling performing schedule, yet she thrived. Every stop brought another success for her. As for Robert, he became sick and withdrawn.

In St. Petersburg, one of the guests at an elegant party observed:

GUEST: Clara Schumann performed her husband's Piano Quintet, Kreisleriana and other pieces that evening. Although we were getting used to female virtuosos at the time, she made a tremendous impression on us....Schumann was silent and reserved all evening, as usual. He only mumbled, unintelligibly, when he was asked questions. Schumann mostly sat in a corner next to the piano...his head bowed down, hair hanging in his face, and with a very thoughtful expression, as if he were whistling to himself. Clara Schumann was a little more talkative. She answered all the questions for her husband.

Nar: Robert had been hoping to compose during this tour, but its demands left him no time, energy or peace. But his music was well received, thanks to Clara for the most part who made a big hit with his Piano Quintet.

Robert Schumann's Piano Quintet became a signature piece for his wife Clara. After their Russian tour, they returned to Leipzig. Robert's health continued to deteriorate, forcing Clara to make some decisions. She was already pregnant with her third child and had to give up another concert tour. Clara had to give all of her time to Robert's care. They visited Dresden hoping the change of scenery and fresh air would relieve his depression.

CS: Dresden October, 1844: There were eight terrible days. Robert didn't sleep at night, his imagination created the most frightening pictures. In the mornings, I usually found him bathed in tears. He gave up completely.

Nar: The Schumanns then moved to Dresden permanently, mystifying their friends. The Dresden years were difficult for Clara. Her performing career gave way to other responsibilities: Robert's mental instability was a constant concern, she had at least four pregnancies, she supported Robert in his endeavors and the Dresden musical and political climates were hostile.

These were productive years for Robert and Clara as composers, despite the stress in their lives. Robert wrote his piano concerto and the 2nd symphony among other works; Clara composed her preludes and fugues along with a number of other pieces.

While Robert valued her most as a wife and mother, he admired her professional gifts. So much so, that he often secretly went to great lengths to have Clara's works published. He would then give them to her as a birthday surprise. Schumann praised her in a letter to Mendelssohn

RS: October 1845: She is a gift from above. There is no doubt that she really deserves affection and encouragement as an industrious and hard-working artist, and indeed as a woman too.

Nar: Schumann invited their musician friends to come and hear music that Clara wrote, such as her Piano Trio in G minor.

Critics regard Clara Schumann's Piano Trio in G minor as one of her best works.

The Schumanns felt unappreciated in Dresden. To complicate matters there was a violent political uprising there in 1849. The family was forced to flee the city. In the middle of the night, Clara, seven months pregnant, helped her husband to escape and courageously led her children through dangerous territory to safety. It was time for the Schumanns to leave Dresden. In 1850, Robert was offered the security of a conducting position in Dusseldorf. He was named the music director of the Municipal Orchestra and Chorus.

They were warmly welcomed in Dusseldorf. But soon it became apparent that Robert was in over his head, though neither Robert nor Clara would admit to any shortcomings on his part. He was not a gifted conductor or administrator. Complaints began to pour in from musicians and critics. Clara tried to protect him. The city administrators came to tell her that her husband's conducting duties were to be reduced.

CS: November 7 1853: This was an infamous intrigue and an insult to Robert, which forces him to give up his position entirely, as I told the gentlemen immediately, without having spoken to Robert. I cannot say how angry I was and how bitter it was for me not to be able to spare Robert this outrage. What would I not have given to pick up and leave immediately with Robert, but when one has six children, it is not so easy.

Nar: Clara's life became even more difficult as Robert's behavior toward her changed. He became impatient and increasingly critical. After one of her concerts he said her playing was terrible. She was devastated.

CS: November 9, 1853: What grieved me so frightfully was that I had played with all my strength, given it my best, and thought to myself that it had never gone so well, and so it was bitter to hear, instead of a friendly word, only the most bitter, discouraging reproaches. If I did not have to use my playing to earn some money, I would not play another note in public, for what good is it to me to earn the applause of the audience if I cannot satisfy Robert?

Nar: Some days were better than others for him, and he felt well enough to celebrate Clara's 34th birthday and their 13th wedding anniversary with enthusiasm. She was delighted. But just one month later she was pregnant again, and had to postpone a long-awaited concert tour to England. Clara did not want to be pregnant.

CS: September 30, 1853: My last years are passing, my strength, too. I am more discouraged than I can possibly say.

Nar: Schumann noted a different event in his diary that night.

RS: Visit from Brahms, a genius.

Nar: The Schumann's eldest daughter, 12-year old Marie, was the first to greet the visitor. Years later she recalled it.

MARIE SCHUMANN (MS): The bell rang toward noon; I ran out, as children do, and opened the door. There I saw a very young man, handsome as a picture, with long blond hair. He asked for my father. Father received him; The young man sat down at the piano. He had barely played a few measures of his own music, when my father interrupted and ran out saying, 'Please wait a minute, I must call my wife.' The midday meal that followed was unforgettable. Both parents were in the most joyful excitement -- again and again they began and could not speak of anything but the gifted young morning visitor, whose name was Johannes Brahms.

Nar: Robert Schumann had frequently advised and helped other composers, but this new friend stood out from the crowd. Brahms visited Robert and Clara every day, and for a while, their excitement over him helped them to forget their troubles.

Soon after Brahms left Dusseldorf, the Schumanns went on a successful tour of Holland, leaving Schumann's contract problems with his employers unresolved. While they were gone, the city's mayor decided to pay Schumann for the remainder of his contract whether he conducted or not.

When the Schumanns returned from Holland, Robert's health declined rapidly. He was suffering from auditory hallucinations and headaches. Clara suffered along with him, sitting by his bedside for ten consecutive nights. Schumann himself begged to go to an insane asylum - a prospect he had feared his whole life. Clara called the doctors.

CS: February 27, 1854: The next morning he got up but was so profoundly melancholy that I cannot describe it. When I merely touched him, he said, 'Ah, Clara, I am not worthy of your love.' HE said that, he to whom I had always looked up with the greatest, deepest reverence.

Nar: Young Marie Schumann was told to watch her father that day, while the doctor and her mother Clara were elsewhere in the house.

MS: I sat at my mother's writing table for a while when the door of the next room opened and there stood my father in his long, green-flowered robe. His face was quite white. As he looked at me, he thrust both hands in front of his face and said, 'Oh, God.' And then he disappeared again. I sat as if spellbound for a short time, and then I realized what I was supposed to be doing. I went into father's room. It was empty and the doors were wide open. I rushed to my mother, the doctor was still there, and then all the rooms in the house were thoroughly searched. It was clear my father was gone.

Nar: Schumann had made his way to a bridge, jumped into the Rhine river, and was rescued by two fishermen, who carried the composer back to his home.

A crowd followed. The doctors decided to keep Schumann away from his wife. She went to stay with a friend, while two male attendants kept guard over Schumann. Clara was informed about her husband's condition every hour. He hardly asked about her at all. She ignored the advice of the doctors and tried to bring him a gift of violets and oranges. He kept asking to be taken to a hospital. It was decided he should be taken to Endenich, where the experienced psychiatrist Dr. Franz Richarz ran a private asylum.

Johannes Brahms came to help. Clara was happy to see him.

CS: March 3, 1854: Brahms said he only came to cheer me up with music, if that were my wish. Now he wants to stay here and later to dedicate himself properly to Robert, when he is again sufficiently recovered to be allowed to have visitors. It is really touching, this friendship.

Nar: The following day the carriage arrived to take Robert Schumann to the asylum.

CS: March 4, 1854: Robert dressed himself in great haste, got in with his doctor and two attendants, didn't ask for me or his children. I took him a bouquet of flowers. He held it in his hands for a long time, then suddenly smelled it and smiled, while holding his doctor's hand. Later he gave each one in the carriage a flower. (sound of carriage rolling away)