Robert Schumann Robert Schumann was a German composer during the Romantic era. He was born on June 8, 1810, the youngest child in his family (Slonimsky 902). Schumann was born in Zwickau, Germany (Stanley 147). His father sold books and was also a publisher and author (Sadie 831). Schumann’s father encouraged him but his mother disapproved of his interest in music (Stanley 147). Schumann had an unhappy life. His sister, Emily, took her own life when she was 19. His father died at the age of 53 (Slonimsky 902). Schumann was 16 years old when his father died (Stanley 147). Many of his “idols” died at a young age or in “tragic circu