Fife Music Studio

I LOVE it when they make 2 weeks of progress in 4 days. YAY, Dani!!❤️🎼🎵🎹

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Clara Schumann, the 19th century German concert pianist and composer, was born on this day in 1819. Considered one of the finest pianists of the Romantic era, Clara was raised under the careful musical tutelage of her father, Friedrich Wieck. A piano prodigy, she performed frequently for noted figures and dignitaries of the day. Her first solo concert was held at the age of eleven. Clara Schumann was one of the first pianists to perform from memory, establishing a new concert standard. Praised by many, including the musical greats of her time, by the age of 18 she received Austria's highest musical honor, and was declared "Royal and Imperial Chamber Virtuoso."

Fellow musician Robert Schumann became her husband, following a lawsuit to surmount her father's strong objections, and the two went on to work alongside one another for many years. However, it was Madame Schumann who was the main breadwinner for the family of 10, giving concert tours and later teaching music. Her legacy includes over 60 years of performance, and a reputation as the "Priestess," in honor of her dedication and calm composure at the piano.

Adult readers can learn more about this distinguished virtuoso in the biographies: "Becoming Clara Schumann" (https://amzn.to/3Ld3taD) and "Clara Schumann: The Artist and the Woman" (http://amzn.to/1imZGZT)

There is also a compilation of Clara Schumann's most popular works for piano at https://amzn.to/3c7cPU5

For young readers, we recommend "Clara Schumann, Pianist and Composer" for ages 9 to 12 at https://amzn.to/3QFenqW

For two inspiring picture books about Mighty Girls who discover the power of music, we recommend "Because" for ages 4 to 9 (https://www.amightygirl.com/because) and "How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln" for ages 6 to 9 (https://www.amightygirl.com/dancing-hands)

For more stories of girls and women in the arts, visit our “Creative Arts” book section at https://www.amightygirl.com/books/general-interest/creative-arts

If you’d like to cultivate an interest in music in your children, visit our “Music” section for a selection of musical toys and instruments at https://amgrl.co/2xfcg6w