Pianist Björn Lehmann, who has a special interest in new music, performs globally and has been a piano professor at the Berlin University of the Arts since 2011.
Performer Biography
Sophia Jaffé, the violinist on this album, first performed at the Berlin Philharmonic at age seven and is now a professor at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts.
Historical Context
In 1853, Johannes Brahms, a young composer, was introduced to Robert and Clara Schumann by the great violinist Joseph Joachim.
Composition History
In 1853, Clara Schumann wrote six Romances: three for piano, dedicated to Johannes Brahms, and three for violin and piano, dedicated to Joseph Joachim.
Composer Biography
Clara Schumann became a lifelong friend and important advisor to Johannes Brahms, supporting him during the difficult period of Robert Schumann's illness and death.
Compositional Technique
Clara Schumann's Romances, Op. 22, are Romantic character pieces with unusual three-part inner forms, distilling contrasting moods like tone paintings.
Composer Biography
Clara Schumann was troubled by her limited compositional career after marriage, with most of her significant works being early compositions, such as her Piano Concerto completed at age sixteen.
