Composers on Stamps

Johann Strauss Sohn (J.S.the younger) 1825-1899,see post #13


Jojann Strauss Vater (J.S.the elder) 1804-1849,see post #17
stamps issued June 4th,1999;

 

Robert Schumann,born in 1810 in Zwickau,Saxony.
Highly gifted,he composed his first works for piano as a child,before
he learned to play.Not sure,wether to become a musician or a poet,
he decided in favour of music at the age of 20.He trained to become
a professional piano-virtuoso,but had to give up,because of
problems with his right hand.
But at first,following the wishes of his mother,he studied law,but
not for long.He worked as a conductor and musical journalist
and critic,but spent most of his time composing.
He is best described as a romantic composer.His works embrace
all kinds of compositions,except of operas.
In 1840 he married Clara Wiek (against the will of her father,who
was his former teacher),who at the age of 21 was already a
celebrated international concert-piano player.He was always
regarded as the husband at the side of this famous performer.
From 1840 till 1854 they had 8 children.
1850 the Schumanns left Saxony for Düsseldorf,where Schuman
was appointed as Musical Director.
However Schumann had lots difficulties with the musicians in the
orchestra and chorus,what became worse,when his mental health
deteriorated.In 1854 he entered on his own will a mental
sanatorium in Endenich,near Bonn.He got worse and worse and
died there in 1856.
The above stamp was issued on July 28th,1956,commemorating
Schumann´s 100th death anniversary.


The GDR issued a set of two on July 20th,1956 for the same
occasion.
However a little mishap occured: the notes in the background were
that of a composition by Franz Schubert (Wanderer´s Nachtlied) !
The stamps were withdrawn from sale on July 23rd,and were
declared to become invalid on Sept.30th,1956.

On Oct.8th,1956 the lower set was issued,now with notes from
Schumann ("Mondnacht",set to music poem of Joseph v.Eichendorff).

Both sets were printed in the same quantities: 1 mill.of the 10 Pfg.
and 5 mill. of the 20 Pfg.-value.