1810 to 1856
Schumann was primarily a pianist before he injured his fingers. He had rigged up a mechanical device designed to strengthen his fingers, but unfortunately the result was just the opposite. Unable to play, he concentrated on composing and writing articles about music.
He married the concert pianist and composer Clara Schumann and befriended the younger composer Johannes Brahms.
Schumann's compositions include a well known piano concerto, four symphonies, many songs, and piano pieces for children.