Clara Schumann had her debut as a solo-pianist in 1828 at barely the age of nine, but withdrew into the shadow of her husband, Robert, whom she married against her father's wishes. Her life, especially after his death, is also closely linked to that of Brahms. When Clara Schumann was just eighteen she realised that 'I would be unhappy if I were unable to practise my art forever'. She found after her husband Robert Schumann's death 'how necessary music is in my life - if I had to give it up I should soon perish'.