This month, the music world
celebrates the 200^th anniversary of the birth of one of its most
intriguing, mysterious, and undeniably talented figures, Robert Schumann. Yet
for many, Schumann’s legacy of greatness is clouded by the oft-propagated
legends of his crippling depression and mania.  

For generations, any interest
in the life and death of Robert Schumann focused on his sadness, bouts of
schizophrenia, and tragically premature death. Tales of his madness have long
been a part of music’s history. Even the popular show, Seinfeld, took its turn, recanting an old myth that a single note
stuck in Schumann’s head drove him to madness.
History is, however, beginning
to reveal that Robert Schumann was a much more substantial figure than his legend
as a tortured musician leads us to believe.  

John Worthen’s biography, Robert Schumann: Life and Death of a
Musiciansheds new light on the Schumann that history has forgotten.
Worthen’s research shows that Schumann was a determined musician whose
intellect, wit and drive helped him overcome a life filled with personal and
professional setbacks. This new perspective defines Schumann as a gifted and
resolute figure, rather than speculating on the severity of his mental illness.
 

Maybe now, on what would have
been Robert Schumann’s 200^th birthday, it is finally time to
reassess the life and legend of one of the greatest composers of his era. And the
new angle that John Worthen offers is a great place to start.