Robert Schumann was 30 years old when he married Clara Wieck.
The Marriage of Robert and Clara Schumann
The celebrated German composer and music critic, Robert Schumann, was 30 years old when he married the highly talented pianist Clara Wieck in 1840. Their union marked the beginning of one of the most significant partnerships in the history of classical music.
The Path to Their Marriage
The couple's journey to marriage was fraught with challenges. They had desired to marry several years earlier, but their plans were met with staunch opposition from Clara's father. It was not until 1840, specifically on the eve of Clara's 21st birthday, that she became legally free to marry without her father's consent.
Key Details
This pivotal event in their lives can be summarized as follows:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Year of Marriage | 1840 |
| Robert Schumann's Age | 30 years old |
| Clara Wieck's Age | Nearly 21 years old |
| Major Obstacle | Bitter opposition from Clara's father |
Their Enduring Partnership
The marriage between Robert and Clara was not only a personal commitment but also a profound artistic collaboration. Clara, a renowned piano virtuoso in her own right, served as a muse for many of Robert's compositions and was instrumental in performing and popularizing his works. Their lives together exemplify:
- Resilience in Love: Their persistence in the face of strong parental disapproval.
- Legal Independence: The significance of reaching the age of majority for personal freedom in the 19th century.
- Creative Symbiosis: How their personal relationship fueled an extraordinary artistic output and influenced the trajectory of Romantic music.
