My Life — Volume 1

An unvarnished memoir spoken directly into the ear of his wife, this autobiography invites listeners into the private world of a composer whose childhood in Leipzig was marked by early loss and a household steeped in theater and literature. He recalls his father’s fleeting career, the lingering influence of a theatrical uncle, and the vivid impressions of early German drama that sparked a lifelong fascination with drama and music. The narrative is intimate, offering precise dates and names that anchor his recollections without any hint of embellishment.

The second part of the account follows his adolescent years of rigorous musical study, first forays into composition, and a daring move to Paris where he married and encountered the vibrant artistic circles of the city. Back in Germany, he describes the struggle to have his early operas produced, his encounters with fellow musicians, and the growing political awareness that would later shape his public life. Listeners gain a clear sense of the formative forces that set the course for his later, more celebrated works.