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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

29 days left to listen

59 minutes

Last on

Yesterday16:00
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Clara Schumann

    Piano Concerto in A minor Op.7 (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Alexandra Dariescu. Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: Tianyi Lu.
    • SIGNUM : SIGCD-799.
    • SIGNUM.
    • 2.

  • Clara Schumann

    4 Polonaises, Op 1

    Performer: Susanne Grützmann.
    • PROFIL:PH 07065.
    • PROFIL.
    • 1.

  • Clara Schumann

    3 Romances Op.11 (no.3 in A flat major)

    Performer: Isata Kanneh‐Mason.
    • Romance - The Piano Music of Clara Schumann.
    • Decca.
    • 6.

  • Robert Schumann

    Symphonic Studies, Op 13 (selection)

    Performer: Murray Perahia.
    • SONY CLASSICAL : SMK8971-6.
    • SONY CLASSICAL.
    • 1.

  • Robert Schumann

    'Liebesfruhling' Op 37 (selection)

    Performer: Gerold Huber. Singer: Sibylla Rubens. Singer: Christian Gerhaher.
    • SONY : G010004606450L.
    • SONY.
    • 15.

Broadcast

  • Yesterday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

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