Question

A leading pianist of the nineteenth century, Clara Schumann

A. never composed any music
B. did some composing, but considered herself primarily a performer
C. composed many works throughout her long life
D. performed only the music of her husband Robert

Answer 1

Clara Schumann composed music but was primarily known as a performer. She did not only perform her husband's works but had her own contributions to the musical world of the Romantic era.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clara Schumann, a leading pianist of the nineteenth century, did indeed compose music. The correct answer to the question is B. While Clara Schumann did some composing, she considered herself primarily a performer. Despite being married to Robert Schumann, a renowned composer himself, she did not restrict herself to perform only her husband's music. Clara Schumann's contributions to music also included her own compositions, but she was more celebrated and recognized for her performances during her lifetime and the Romantic era.

Answer 2

Clara Schumann, a leading pianist of the nineteenth century, did some composing alongside her career as a pianist, making option B the correct choice. She is recognized for her contributions to Romantic music, despite societal constraints on female composers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns Clara Schumann, a leading pianist of the nineteenth century, and her contributions to music. Contrary to the suggestion that she may have focused solely on performance, Clara Schumann did some composing, but considered herself primarily a performer. This aligns with option B as the correct answer. Although her husband, Robert Schumann, is also a well-known composer of the time, Clara herself is recognized for her own compositions in addition to her remarkable talent as a pianist.

It is important to note Clara Schumann’s role in a period when many Romantic composers both revered Classical traditions and sought to express individual feeling and nationalistic themes in their work. Despite societal constraints that often overlooked the contributions of female composers, Clara Schumann was able to leave an indelible mark on the world of Romantic music.