Clara and Robert
Donald Macleod meets the friends (and foes) of composer Clara Schumann. Today, we hear how her husband Robert was entranced from the moment he first heard her play.
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, beginning with her husband and fellow composer Robert, who was entranced from the moment he first heard her play.
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7: II. Romanze. Andante non troppo con grazia
Alexandra Dariescu, piano
Philharmonia Orchestra
Tianyi Lu, conductor
4 Polonaises, Op. 1
Susanne Grützmann, piano
3 Romances, Op. 11: III. Moderato
Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano
Robert Schumann: Études symphoniques, Op. 13
Murray Perahia, piano
Clara and Robert Schumann: Zwölf Gedichte aus Liebesfrühling Op. 37 (excerpt)
Sibylla Rubens, soprano
Christian Gerhaher, baritone
Gerold Huber, piano
Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West
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- Mon 26 Oct 202616:00BBC Radio 3
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