Clara Schumann (1819-1896) was a gifted pianist whose lessons were from her father, Friedrich Wieck, a prominent piano teacher. Robert Schumann also studied with Wieck and, having gotten to know Clara, eventually married her. She enjoyed a considerable career as a concert pianist and teacher. Clara began composing early and was encouraged by her husband to continue during their marriage, although after her husband's death, she gave up composing and devoted herself to performing Robert's works for piano and was for many years considered his finest interpreter. Through Schumann, Clara met all of the leading musicians of the day, and her music shows the influence of Mendelssohn, Liszt, Chopin, and, of course, her husband.
Her Three Romances for Violin and Piano were composed in 1853 and constitute her last chamber work. They were dedicated to the famous violin virtuoso Joseph Joachim, a good friend of the Schumanns as well as Brahms. Clara and Joachim performed the work several times together. The piano part is florid and complex, while the violin is given long-lined, lyrical melodies..
This is a wonderful work which would make a fine recital choice. It has not been available for over a century, and we are pleased to bring it back.
