Clara Schumann was born in 1819 in Leipzig, Germany. She showed early talent as a pianist, performing in Paris at age 11. Her father took over her education to develop her musical abilities. As an adult, she married composer Robert Schumann and had eight children while continuing her performing career for 60 years. After Robert fell ill, Clara supported their family through teaching and performing. She introduced many of Robert's compositions and was influential in establishing the modern practice of performing from memory. Clara Schumann died in 1896 at age 76 in Frankfurt, Germany.