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Clara, Felix and Joseph

Donald Macleod meets the friends (and foes) of composer Clara Schumann. Today, two close friends who supported Clara through difficult times.

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. Today, we meet two close friends who supported Clara through difficult times: the composer Felix Mendelssohn and the violinist Joseph Joachim.

Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7
Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano
Jonathan Aasgaard, cello
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Mendelssohn: Songs without Words, Book 5 (6), Op. 62
Daniel Barenboim, piano

3 Romances Op.22
Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano
Elena Urioste, violin
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17: I.
The Nash Ensemble

Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West

27 days left to listen

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Clara Schumann

    Piano Concerto in A minor Op.7 (1st mvt)

    Performer: Isata Kanneh‐Mason. Orchestra: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Holly Mathieson.
    • Decca : 4850020.
    • Decca.
    • 1.
  • Clara Schumann

    Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 7 (3rd mvt)

    Performer: Isata Kanneh‐Mason. Orchestra: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Holly Mathieson.
    • Decca : 4850020.
    • Decca.
    • 3.
  • Felix Mendelssohn

    Songs without Words, Op 62

    Conductor: Daniel Barenboim.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : 453-061 - 2.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 1.
  • Clara Schumann

    3 Romances, Op 22

    Performer: Elena Urioste. Performer: Isata Kanneh‐Mason.
    • Romance: The Piano Music of Clara Schumann.
    • Decca.
    • 9.
  • Clara Schumann

    Piano Trio in G minor, Op 17 (1st mvt)

    Ensemble: Nash Ensemble.
    • HYPERION : CDA68307.
    • HYPERION.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Thursday16:00

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