Robert and Clara Schumann jointly composed the 'Liebesfrühling' cycle, set to verses by Friedrich Rückert, reflecting the symbiotic nature of their relationship.
Recording & Production
This recording includes two duets, "Deutscher Blumengarten" op. 79 Anh. Nr. 4 and "Ich bin Dein Baum" RSW deest, that are world premiere recordings, made accessible through Thomas Synofzik's edition.
Compositional Technique
Schumann's multi-voice compositions reflect three distinct phases, beginning in 1840 with 'pre-marital' songs of longing, often featuring two or three voices in synchronous or imitative settings.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album's motto, "Die Orange und Myrthe hier," symbolizes Robert Schumann's concept of 'idyll,' which he understood as 'complete happiness within limitation,' a definition influenced by Jean Paul.
Album & Artwork
The album title, "Die Orange und Myrthe hier" (The Orange and Myrtle here), comes from a poem Robert Schumann wrote for Clara Schumann's 34th birthday, which he set to music.
Performer Biography
Pianist Claar ter Horst, who leads the artistic direction of this recording, has been a long-standing accompanist at the International Robert Schumann Competition in Zwickau.
Composition History
Robert Schumann gifted his wife Clara Schumann a new piano on her birthday in 1853, along with a poem he had written for her 13 years earlier, which he then set to music for four voices and piano.
