The History Press signs biography of ‘virtuosic genius’ Clara Schumann
The History Press has acquired Madame Composer: The Virtuosic Genius of Clara Schumann by Sarah Fritz, the “first book to explore her composing in detail”.
Publishing director Laura Perehinec acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Rachel Clements at Abner Stein on behalf of Elias Altman at Massie, McQuilkin & Altman. Jessica Case of Pegasus Books will publish in North America and publication is planned for October 2026.
The biography’s description reads: “History has not always been kind to Clara Schumann. She has been remembered largely in relation to the men in her life – wife of Robert Schumann, muse to Johannes Brahms. In fact, she was a composer of enormous brilliance in her own right who battled both society’s and her own internalised misogyny. She struggled with depression, anxiety and imposter syndrome, at once deeply desiring to be a good mother and wife, while fervently needing to create lasting art.”
Madame Composer ”moves beyond a definition of Clara merely as an artist or virtuoso and is the first book to explore her composing in detail, both in terms of her works and their enduring influence”, says the publisher. “Sarah Fritz rightly asserts Clara’s place in the canon and proves that, without her, many of history’s best-loved musical works would have been buried or never written at all.”
Perehinec said: “I’m always on the look-out for books which bring great women’s stories out of the shadows and Sarah’s book promises to do this with gusto. I’m delighted to welcome her to the list and look forward to bringing Clara’s story and music to a wider audience.”
