Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso Book

"Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso" tells the story of Clara Schumann, the exceptionally accomplished musician who began her remarkable career in piano performance and competition under her father's instruction. Clara was a talented musician from her birth, and continued to grow her career, friendships, and fame through the concerts she performed throughout Europe. Clara had a major influence on other famous musicians such as her husband Robert Schumann, and on music in the nineteenth century in general. Clara's story really is incredible, inspiring, and impressive. Clara overcomes enormous challenges through her life like losing her husband and taking care of her eight children on her own, while being the sole provider of income. Despite her tough life, Clara loved to perform and did it thousands of times and actually was one of the first to perform a concert entirely on the piano. The author Susanna Reich and her mother are both scholars who research and write about Clara's life, and their careful research and planning show in this beautiful story. Each page of the book has quotes from Clara, her husband, or friends and/or a meaning photograph that perfectly complements the text. Even if the reader is unfamiliar with Clara Schumann or nineteenth century music, they will enjoy reading the book because it is informational yet wonderfully engaging. I would use this book in a classroom to teach about analysis and integration of quotes. Reich sets a wonderful example of how to properly integrate quotes into the story along with her own analysis and commentary, making this book ideal for an English or history class working on this skill.