Verdict

The transcript discusses Schumann's dedication of his keyboard masterpiece to Liszt, which Schumann never saw due to his time in an asylum. Clara Schumann criticized the Sonata, calling it confused and lacking healthy ideas. In contrast, Wagner praised the Sonata as beautiful and noble, suggesting his opinion is more trustworthy given his reluctance to give praise easily.

Why was Schumann unable to see the masterpiece?

What was Clara Schumann's opinion about the Sonata?

What does the text suggest about the state of Schumann's ideas at the time?

How did Wagner describe the Sonata?

What was the contrast between Clara Schumann's and Wagner's views on the Sonata?