Clara Josephine Wieck Schumann, Sept. 13, 1819 – May 20, 1896

Hail Clara Schumann
Virtuoso pianist
Changed recital’s form

Was among the first
To play long, involved pieces
Strictly from memory

Prodigy who grew
Into artist, composer
Well regarded, loved

Mother of 8, wife
And champion of her husband,
Composer Robert

Husband worshipped her —
Robert, long before Tom Cruise,
Said, “She completes me”

Endured children’s deaths,
Husband’s madness, and played on
With strength beyond words

Tower of talent,
Mettle — admired by Chopin,
Mendelssohn, and Brahms

Held strong opinions
Blasted Wagner and Bruckner
Crossed Liszt off her list

Too often footnote
Today Clara gets her due
Google her — you’ll see