Norwich bulletin., 1922-06-01
Great Mems Love Letters
HOW sCHUMANN WROTE TO CLARA
 WIECK.


 One of the prettiest romances among musicians was the devotion exhibited by Robert Schumann, the well-known musical composer, for Clara Josephine Wieck. who afterwards became his wife, and remained a devoted companion until his death. She assisted materially in making his compositions popular, for she was one of the most accomplished pianists of her age.
 Schumann met Clara Wieck when he was a mere youth and she was only thirteen years of age. He made his home with the family and studied mu- sic with Clara's father. The deep at- tachment fingered along until Schu- mann was seventeen, when he proposed marriage to Clara and was accepted. The father bitterly opposed the mar riage, for he had higher plans for his daughter than marriage with poor music pupil.
 When a consent was not forthcom- ing Schumann wrote to Clara as fol- lows: "I am quite clear about my heart, Perhaps your father will not refuse if I ask him for his blessing. Of course, there is much to be thought of and arranged. But I put great stress in our guardian angel. Fate always intended us for one another. I have known that for long time but my hopes were never strong enough to tell you and get your answer before"
 A pleasant little incident which took place short time before the mar riage,s Is of interest as showing at once the thoughtfulness and the de- votion of schumann. From musician to musician, especially when the re-
 
 plished a pianist as Clara Week, no gift from her lover could be more ap- propriate than pianoforte This schumann purchased for her and ar ranged the arrival of the instrument with the firm.
 The agreement was that at half past upon certain day he would call to take his betrothed for a walk. Between that hour and 6 he requested that the instrument should be delivered at Clara's residence. The delight of 1 ahe girl may be imagined when she returned with her mother to find such a suitable present awaiting her ac- ceptance. It can easily be conjectured | that some delightful music followed and that the appropriate gift as well as the graceful way in which it was given, was highly appreciated.
 Schumann was a great and gifted | letter writer. In his epistles, rather than his speech, he poured forth his heart. He concluded several of his letters win "Addio, carissima Clara cara Clarissima." He then told her ir one of these: 'We shall indeed lead g life of poetry and blossom. and we will play and compose together like angels and bring gladness to mankind"
 It is pity that the night to this happiness was to come so soon for after a few years the composer was stricke1 with a fatal brain disease which, ir 1854, caused him to throw himself into the Rhine. Rescued by boatmen, he spen the last two years of his life in a privatt asylum, where he died at the age of for ty-six.
 Schumann's letters have been collect ed and published and the volume repre- sent some of the sprightliest and mos readable of anything of it's character These letters" wrote Madame Schu- mann, form beautiful and touchin memorial, revealing all the treasurers Q an ideal youthful nature, strong and en ergetic and filled with the highest aim and aspirations"