During his tormented courtship in 1838, Robert Schumann’s compositions became more complex and experimental. The eight-part Kreisleriana, subtitled Fantasies for piano, fluctuates strongly between agitation and lyrical calm, fear and excitement. Three Romances, opus 22 by Clara Schumann (1853) was among the last pieces she would write. A critic at The Times wrote: “Luxurious and poignant, they make you regret that Clara’s career as a composer was subordinated to that of her husband.” The Swiss violinist Anaïs Chen and the Belgian pianist Els Biesemans find common ground in warm sounds and imaginative musicality.
This concert was originally scheduled for February 12, but had to be postponed.
Program
Music by Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann-Wieck, Joseph Joachim & Ferdinand David
Performers
Anaïs Chen, violin | Els Biesemans, piano
