Robert Schumann, a German composer, and critic, was born on June 8, 1810, in Zwickau. He was an eccentric, controversial genius who composed some of the best and worst songs of the Romantic period. During his manic spells, he was severely impaired by what was most certainly bipolar disorder, and he had almost superhuman output. His tenure finished prematurely and miserably due to a syphilis-related plunge into insanity. When he was younger, he produced his finest work in small scales, such as piano parts and songs.