Clara Schumann (1819-1896)

Clara Schumann was a German pianist, composer, and the wife of the famous composer Robert Schumann. She took piano lessons from her father Friedrich Wieck. Soon she was having great success touring as a virtuoso pianist. As a pianist Clara was praised for her performances of Chopin, her husband’s music, and Brahms. She was known for her thoughtful interpretations and singing tone. Clara premiered many of Robert Schumann’s compositions and prepared a complete edition of his music.

Clara’s music was imaginative and her method of composing was very controlled. Notable among her many compositions are the Piano Trio op.17 (considered to be her masterpiece) and her op.23 songs.

Here is a recording of Clara Schumann’s Piano Trio op.17 performed by Micaela Gelius, Sreten Krstic, and Stephan Haack. I could not find the first movement played by the same musicians because the person who posted the trio posted the fourth movement twice. Here is the second movement, third movement, and fourth movement.