By Barry Lenson
Clara Schumann, as you nearly actually know, was the spouse of the composer Robert Schumann, who lived from 1810 till 1856. You in all probability additionally know that Clara was one of many most interesting pianists of her period. However you may not know that she was a rare composer too.
I by no means fully grasped that till I started to take heed to increasingly of her music right here on Classical Archives. And as I pay attention, I can solely marvel how I failed to grasp her significance as a composer. It’s in all probability as a result of as a girl, she by no means has obtained the popularity she deserves. Her Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7 is a masterwork that stands alongside concerti by her husband, Chopin, and Mendelssohn. Her chamber works, together with the Piano Trio in G minor, are of a really excessive degree. After which we come to her Lieder, that are a revelation and stand alongside those who her husband wrote, to not point out these of Brahms, Wolf and Mahler.
I’d encourage you to spend a while listening to her songs. One which stands out is “Liebst du um Schönheit” Op.12, No.4, a setting of a poem by Friedrich Rückert. Sure, you in all probability know this poem as a result of it was set to music by Gustav Mahler too. Individuals love Mahler’s setting. However I’d supply my opinion that Clara’s model may very well be much more tender and beautiful.
Clara Schumann was a lot, far more than Robert Schumann’s spouse. Let’s study extra.
About Clara Schumann
Clara Josephine Schumann (née Wieck) was born on September 13, 1819, in Leipzig. Clara’s musical schooling started at an early age, underneath the rigorous tutelage of her father, Friedrich Wieck, a famend piano instructor. Clara’s mother and father divorced when she was simply 5 years previous, however she remained together with her father, who meticulously deliberate her musical schooling. By the age of 9, she was performing publicly, and her immense expertise rapidly gained recognition.
Her early profession was marked by intensive live performance excursions throughout Europe. By the age of 11, she had already carried out to nice acclaim in Paris and Vienna.
Marriage to Robert Schumann
In 1840, Clara married the composer Robert Schumann, regardless of her father’s robust objections. Their marriage was a partnership of mutual respect and creative collaboration. She premiered a lot of his works and was instrumental in selling his music. The couple had eight youngsters, and Clara one way or the other balanced her roles as a mom, performer, and composer.
Clara’s life was not with out its challenges. Robert’s psychological well being deteriorated, resulting in his eventual confinement in an asylum, the place he died in 1856. Regardless of these hardships, Clara continued to carry out and compose. She maintained an in depth skilled and private relationship with Johannes Brahms, who was an ideal help to her throughout these grim instances. Many individuals now consider that Brahms was in love together with her, and that may very well be true.
Later Years and Legacy
In her later years, Clara turned a extremely revered piano instructor in Frankfurt, the place she taught Carl Friedberg, Fanny Davies and different pianists who went on to have vital careers as performers and academics. She additionally edited and printed Robert Schumann’s works, serving to to make sure that his legacy endured.
Clara Schumann handed away on Could 20, 1896, in Frankfurt. She was buried beside her husband in Bonn. Her contributions to music had been acknowledged posthumously, and her works have gained renewed appreciation in recent times.
Compositions by Clara Schumann on Classical Archives*
- Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7 – This concerto, composed when Clara was simply sixteen, shows her virtuosic piano expertise and modern orchestration.
- 4 Pièces Caractéristiques, Op. 5 – A set of character items for solo piano, requiring expressive vary and technical command. (They sound lots just like the piano works of Robert Schumann, proper?)
- 3 Romances for Piano, Op. 11 – These items are notable for his or her ravishingly lovely melodies.
- Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 – Thought of certainly one of her masterpieces, this trio has grow to be a staple within the chamber music repertoire.
- Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann, Op. 20 – A set of variations for piano that show her deep emotional connection to her husband’s music.
- 3 Romances for Violin and Piano, Op.22 – These items are as lovely because the Brahms violin sonatas, don’t you agree?
And Don’t Miss All Her Ravishing Songs
Go to Clara Schumann’s composers web page on Classical Archives and click on on each the Lieder and Vocal Works tabs. Dozens of extraordinary songs await your discovery.
* Please observe that to pay attention, you have to be a member of Classical Archives. In case you have not but achieved so, we invite you to hitch in the present day. Free 14-day trial memberships can be found.