Robert Schumann, in full Robert Alexander Schumann (born June 8, 1810, Zwickau, Saxony [now in Germany]—died July 29, 1856, Endenich, near Bonn, Prussia [Germany]), German Romantic composer renowned particularly for his piano music, songs (lieder), and orchestral music. Many of his best-known piano pieces were written for his wife, the pianist Clara Schumann.