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Clara, Felix and Joseph

Donald Macleod meets the friends (and foes) of composer Clara Schumann. Today, two close friends who supported Clara through difficult times.

Clara Schumann is considered one of the most talented composer-pianists of the Romantic era. Put to work by her domineering father from an early age, as a touring performer she soon drew the admiration of her peers - and made friends who would remain important presences in her life until the end. As an adult, she spent several hours every day writing and replying to their letters. This week, Donald Macleod explores some of those relationships. Today, we meet two close friends who supported Clara through difficult times: the composer Felix Mendelssohn and the violinist Joseph Joachim.

Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7
Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano
Jonathan Aasgaard, cello
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Mendelssohn: Songs without Words, Book 5 (6), Op. 62
Daniel Barenboim, piano

3 Romances Op.22
Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano
Elena Urioste, violin
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17: I.
The Nash Ensemble

Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Thu 29 Oct 202616:00

Broadcast

  • Thu 29 Oct 202616:00

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