Clara and Robert

Available for 29 days

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