Schumann: The Faces and the Masks

Schumann: The Faces and the Masks is a groundbreaking account of a major composer whose life and works have been the subject of intense controversy. It explores his sexual escapades, fathering of an illegitimate child, courtship of his wife Clara, and the opposition of her monstrous father. It also sheds new light on his troubled relations with Mendelssohn and Chopin and the full medical diary kept at Endenich Asylum.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Schumann: The Faces and the Masks delves into the captivating life and artistic journey of a renowned composer whose life and works have sparked intense controversy since his attempted suicide and early demise in an insane asylum. Schumann played a pivotal role in the sweeping Romanticism movement that swept across Europe and America in the 19th century, captivating writers, musicians, and painters, enthralling audiences, and reaching far corners of the world. His compositions encompassed a wide range of emotions, from the fantastical disguises of his carnival masquerades to his passionate love songs, as well as his grandiose Spring and Rhenish Symphonies. Schumann's artistic brilliance was characterized by his intense originality and imagination, yet he also held deep reverence for the past, particularly Shakespeare, Byron, Raphael, Michelangelo, Beethoven, and Bach. He believed in the freedom of political, personal, and artistic expression, yet struggled with the confines of artistic form. Through his music, he transformed his tumultuous life into a profound and enduring testament that resonates with listeners across generations.

In his groundbreaking work, author and scholar Sujata Chernaik uncovers new insights into Schumann's life and music, shedding light on previously unpublished archive material. Chernaik delves into Schumann's sexual escapades, his fathering of an illegitimate child, the true circumstances behind his courtship of his wife Clara, and the opposition faced by her monstrous father. The medical diary kept at Endenich Asylum, long withheld, provides Chernaik with a fresh perspective on the mystery of Schumann's final illness. Drawing on her extensive expertise in Romanticism and her talent as a novelist, Chernaik vividly brings Schumann's world and his extraordinary artistic achievements to life.

Schumann's troubled relations with fellow Romantic composers Mendelssohn and Chopin are explored in depth, offering a fresh perspective on their complex relationships. Chernaik's meticulous research and vivid storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the life and music of this iconic composer. Schumann's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, and his profound artistic achievements will be celebrated for generations to come.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 152 x 233 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571331277
Edition number: Main