Schumann, C. / Mendelssohn-Hensel / Mahler, A.: Lieder

Featuring

Christina Högman
Roland Pöntinen
Clara Schumann
Fanny Hensel
Alma Mahler-Werfel

Did you know?

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Composer Biography

Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel, sister of Felix Mendelssohn, composed between 250-300 songs but her brother initially refused to help her publish them, preferring her to focus on "women's duties."

Composition History

Some of Clara Schumann's songs, including three on this album, were initially published as part of her husband Robert Schumann's Op. 37, with both composers mentioned by name.

Composer Biography

Alma Mahler, a talented composer, was pressured by her husband Gustav Mahler to give up composing, only for him to champion her work later during a marriage crisis.

Historical Context

In the creative arts, women found it difficult to assert themselves, but there were more female composers than often claimed, including Hildegard of Bingen in the 12th century and Francesca Caccini in the 18th century.

Composer Biography

The three female composers on this album—Clara Schumann, Alma Mahler, and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel—all struggled against the strong shadow of world-renowned male composers who were their husbands or brother.

Composer Biography

Clara Schumann was a child prodigy pianist, making her public debut at age nine and performing for cultural giants like Goethe, Chopin, and Liszt.

Historical Context

Historically, musicians, actors, dancers, and entertainers of both genders had a very low social status and were sometimes considered morally suspect.