Robert Shumann's intensely autobiographical works are in many ways emblematic of what the Romantic period in music was all about. Founder of the New Journal of Music, Schumann also helped bring to light the work of many new composers, helping to establish their legitimacy. Though his efforts to become a virtuoso pianist were thwarted by a finger injury, he went on to compose works for piano that are regarded as a basic part of the piano repertory to this day. His marriage to the gifted pianist and composer Clara Schuman was a happy one. However, his professional and domestic life was disturbed by mental illness, and he was eventually committed to an insane asylum and passed away shortly thereafter. For more information on this artist, consult the web resources below.