Ep 13. Now Hear This: Schumann: Genius and Madness

Now Hear This: Schumann: Genius and Madness is an episode from season 50 of the popular music and performing arts show Great Performances. In this episode, audiences are treated to a unique and insightful look into the life and times of one of the most revered classical composers of all time, Robert Schumann.

From his early years as a child prodigy to his meteoric rise to fame in the early 19th century, Schumann's life story is one of both genius and madness. Despite being renowned for his remarkable musical abilities, his personal life was deeply troubled, marked by bouts of extreme behavior, mental illness, and even institutionalization.

Throughout the episode, viewers follow the journey of renowned baritone Thomas Hampson as he delves deeper into Schumann's life and music, exploring the struggles and triumphs of this iconic composer. Using contemporary accounts, letters, journals, and other primary sources, Hampson paints a vivid and often heartbreaking portrait of Schumann's psyche and creative spirit.

Through the lens of his most famous works, including Dichterliebe, Kinderszenen, and the Piano Concerto in A Minor, audiences gain a deeper appreciation not only for Schumann's artistic contributions but also for the ways in which his tragic life story continues to resonate with us today.

Featuring performances by some of the world's most talented musicians and conducted by the dynamic JoAnn Falletta, this episode is a must-see for fans of classical music, history, and biography. With stunning visuals, engaging narration, and a powerful score, Now Hear This: Schumann: Genius and Madness is a fitting tribute to a man whose music and legacy continue to inspire and move us centuries later.