Schumann

Praise

“A generous and tremendously useful resource. . . . Chernaik allows you to feel the core of Schumann’s story.” —The New York Times Book Review 

“Densely informative. . . . For Chernaik, the music illuminates the story of a man with ‘more feeling than judgment,’ who emerged as one of the most influential Romantic composers.” —The New Yorker

“A well-proportioned, highly readable biography. . . . Chernaik is . . . a fine chronicler of his turbulent life.” —The Wall Street Journal
 
“A tale as gripping as any thriller.” —Pianist

A deeply moving read. . . . Eloquent. . . . Schumann’s personality emerges vividly.” —BBC Magazine 

“[Schumann] was an artist of great humanity, a humanity that shines through his musical legacy along with that of his wife, Clara, a brilliant pianist and gifted composer in her own right. Now they have both found a modern biographer, Judith Chernaik, who does them justice with grace and insight.” —The Washington Times

“Heartbreaking. . . Chernaik tells Schumann’s story in a book full of fresh, thoughtful writing.” —The Sunday Times (London)

 “[An] affecting and moving biography . . . [Chernaik] pays close attention to the music and summons its inimitable combination of romantic ardour, eccentricity and classical craftsmanship in deft prose.” —The Daily Telegraph (London)

“A tremendously persuasive portrait. . . . Feature[s] some of the most passionate appreciations of Schumann’s music ever written in English.” —Open Letters Review

“Engrossing. . . . A most touching and moving story, beautifully told by Judith Chernaik.” —Daily Mail 

“Superb. . . . A vivid, sympathetic portrait. . . . This is the most readable and penetrating biography of this wonderful composer whose life touches modern sensibilities at so many points.” —Stephen Walsh, The Oldie

“Enthralling . . . Beautifully written, excellently researched, and shot through with love and understanding of her subject.” —Musical Opinion

“Altogether outstanding. . . . [Schumann’s] story is oft-told, but Chernaik’s version eclipses its predecessors.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Fast-paced and informative, this biography wonderfully explores the life of a great and troubled composer.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Inspiring and wrenching. . . . A guided tour through the life and work of Robert Schumann, a musical genius who viewed the sublime.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred)