[Robert Schumann and Neurosyphilis].

Abstract

Robert Schumann (1810-1856), one of the greatest music composers of the Romantic era, was suspected to have had syphilis. Syphilis was a stigmatized disease during the time, and Schumann's followers tended to deny the infection itself or to destroy evidence of possible infection; therefore, no solid evidence is available in this regard. However, based on records (obtained 130 years after his death), which describe his stay in a psychiatric hospital, it is concluded that Schumann was certainly diagnosed with syphilis. In this essay, I have discussed Schumann's creative work from syphilis infection to the onset of progressive paralysis, as a Schumann lover.