Clara Josephine Schumann (13 September 1819 – 20 May 1896) was a German pianist, composer, and piano teacher and prodigy. Regarded as one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era, she exerted her influence over the course of a 61-year concert career, changing the format and repertoire of the piano recital by lessening the importance of purely virtuosic works. She also composed solo piano pieces, a piano concerto, chamber music, choral pieces, and songs.