Every good Beethoven deserves a fanboy, and Robert Schumann was that guy. Who was Schumann, and how was his work shaped by the influence of Beethoven? Pianist, Curtis Institute professor, and writer Jonathan Biss explains all – including his own (extremely cool) fanboy-esque immersion in the works of Schumann and Beethoven. Jonathan Biss. Photo by Benjamin Ealovega. Courtesy of the artist's website. Audio production by Todd "Teletubby" Hulslander with frolicking by Dacia Clay and editing by Mark DiClaudio. All music in this episode played by Jonathan Biss: From his CD "Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4"

• Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2 No. 1 (Allegro and Adagio)
• Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata" (Allegro assai and Allegro ma non troppo – Presto)

From his CD "Schumann: Fantasie, Kreisleriana & Arabeske"

• Fantasie in C, Op. 17

From his CD "Beethoven, Schumann: Piano Works"

• Davidsbündlerltänze Op.6

For more about Jonathan Biss: www.jonathanbiss.com For information about Curits Institute Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs): www.curtis.edu/about-curtis/coursera