Robert Schumann was born in Zwickau in 1810. He was profoundly influenced by E.T.A. Hoffmann, writer of Die Elixiere des Teufels (The Devil's Elixir), whose passionate visions were played out with a bitter twist when insanity struck and ended Schumann's life. His genius burnt itself out, as if his body was unable to withstand the fire of his creative enthusiasm. His wife, Clara, could only look on helplessly. In his 46 years of life, however, Robert Schumann composed some of the most inspired, passionate music of the 19th century.

Stations in life:
Zwickau, Leipzig, Heidelberg, Bonn

For generations, music by this "titan of classicism" - Ludwig van Beethoven -  has been a symbol of universal humanity.Beethoven was born in 1770 in Bonn. His 9th Symphony is part of UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.

Stations in life:
Bonn