Composer Fast Fact Sheet
In 1849 Robert Schumann (pictured bottom right) wrote Genoveva, a multi-movement tone poem that was to be his only opera, the overture to which distils its heroine's tragic to triumph journey!
In 1853 Johannes Brahms, Schumann's young protégé was introduced to Robert's wife Clara (who's 200th birthday is today). He soon became a very close friend of the couple.
In February 1854 Robert Schumann suffered a nervous breakdown and threw himself off a bridge into the Rhine. Soon after he was committed to an asylum and remained there until his death in 1856.
After her husband's sad demise, Clara (becomes a public supporter and advocate of Brahms' work, particularly in 1859 offering support for his Piano Concerto No.1. Thereafter they embarked on a deep loving friendship, exchanging many letters. The concerto was also eventually completed.
In 1885 Brahms Symphony No.4 was performed for the first time and despite being rejected by his friends for its darkness to even darker trajectory, the cathartic power of the piece won through in the end and increased its popularity over time!