Schumann Romance

“[Clara] signals my gratitude to all the women who, in their time, challenged the society they were raised in by manifesting their artistic oeuvre,” says composer Ortiz of her tribute to Clara Schumann, which opens this program. Violinist Nancy Zhou takes center stage for Clara Schumann’s Three Romances, which The Times (London) referred to as "Lush and poignant, they make one regret that Clara's career as a composer became subordinate to her husband's." Clara dedicated her trio of Romances to violinist Joseph Joaquim; here Zhou performs Joachim’s challenging and expressive Variations for Violin and Orchestra. “Trumpets and drums have been sounding in my mind for quite a while now; I have no idea what will come of it,” wrote Robert Schumann as he began his grand Second Symphony; he struggled against illness and depression to complete it, but eventually added a boisterous finale “in which I am myself again.”

What to Expect:

Clara, Gabriela Ortiz’s tribute to composer, pianist, editor, teacher, mother, and wife Clara Schumann; read Ortiz’s notes about Clara’s music
Clara Schumann’s Three Romances, performed by violinist Nancy Zhou; explore videos of Zhou’s style or read a recent article she wrote for The Strad
Violin variations composed by Joseph Joachim, one of the most esteemed musicians of all time (and a good friend of the Schumanns)
Robert Schumann’s Second Symphony, exploring the composer's triumph over depression

ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE

Schumann Romance

Start Time

conductor

violin

Gabriela Ortiz

CLARA Schumann

Joachim

Schumann

CONCERT DETAILS

MEET THE MUSIC

Sound Bites

Food & Beverage Service