Schumann: The Inner Voices of a Musical Genius

by Peter Ostwald, Lise Deschamps Ostwald, Kurt Masur (Contributor)

After obtaining access to long sought-after archival material about the final years of Robert Schumann, Lise Deschamps Ostwald, the author’s widow, is finally able to detail the composer’s last years at the mental institution in Endenich, fulfilling her husband’s original intent.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1985

Reviews

[McKenna Mowry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars bc like a freak, i really enjoyed this book because it presented schumann from his own journals and letters but even i could tell the psych info was really outdated

[Teresa K.]

Prompted by reading some remarks by the great cellist and Schumann-admirer Steven Isserlis, I decided to look more deeply into the life of the composer who leapt into the Rhine. And so I turned to Ostwald, whose perspicacious biography of Glenn Gould I had previously enjoyed.
Reading this book, I truly felt I was coming to know and understand that tormented and—sometimes quirkily—imaginative man whose gorgeous Cello Concerto still haunts me with its indescribable yearning and its urgency of feeling; poignant passion at its pitch.
In this compelling book, Ostwald brings together psychological acumen (albeit dated, we would say, in places) and eloquent prose for what is a fine read: sympathetic and detailed and precise in the treatment of its subject.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting survey of Schumann's life through the lens of his mental health throughout his life, largely compiled from Schumann's own correspondence and numerous diaries. Even with the updated version contains new information on the final years at Endenich, the fact that the majority of the book was written in the 1980's is evident in the outdated language used to talk about mental illness. Overall a well presented book, and certainly well researched, but as with any psychobiography it is impossible to come to definitive conclusions and I did not agree with all of Ostwald's assumptions. Definitely an excellent read for any musician or anyone looking to learn more on Schumann.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subtitled "Music and Madness." A fine biography and psychological analysis of Schumann's mental illness. I think the material in this book may be similar to another biography Ostwald wrote, Schumann: The Inner Voices Of a Musical Genius." I take it that both take a psychological approach.

[Dave Partridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very informative. I first read it sometime in the 1990's; checked it out from the library. Now that I'm writing Program Notes, I want to read it again. Have ordered the new, expanded edition from Barnes & Noble.

[Jackie Dunleavy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating review of Schumann's life and works from a psychological and clinical point of view.