Clara Schumann, born Clara Wieck in 1819, redefined the child prodigy, making her first public appearance at age nine and quickly earning enthusiastic reviews for her playing.
Compositional Technique
The second movement of Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto, 'Romanze', is in two halves: the first for solo piano, and the second a duet for cello and piano.
Historical Context
Norwegian politics during Edvard Grieg's lifetime were dominated by a burgeoning nationalist movement, as Norway had uneasy half-independence from Sweden.
Performer Biography
Alexandra Dariescu, the pianist on this recording, is known for her trailblazing work, including achieving gender equality in her concerto programming for three consecutive seasons.
Compositional Technique
Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto features formal innovation, with its three movements played attacca, interlinking them between a concerto and fantasy structure.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded on one of the hottest days of the year, with sunshine sparkling through the stained-glass windows of St Jude's Church onto the piano.
Album & Artwork
This is the first album to pair Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto with Edvard Grieg's, despite them being contemporaries and acquaintances.
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