Missouri Classical Music News

Clara began the work, her most extended piano composition, in 1841 (150 years prior to its publication), as a Christmas present for her beloved Robert. At this point, she it was, who was a mere 22 years old. She originally wrote the Allegro and Scherzo (now movements I and III): the Adagio and Rondo were completed a month later in January 1842.

An entry of Robert's in their marriage diary (appertaining to her composing) reads,

'To have children and a husband who is always living in the realms of imagination do not go together with composing. (...) But Clara herself knows her main occupation is as a mother and I believe she is happy in the circumstances ...'

-- Clara Schumann: The Artist and The Woman, Nancy Reich, (Cornell, NY, 1985, revision 2001, page 215)

This relatively little known work is comfortably sandwiched between Brahms' Sonata in C Major Op 1 and Schumann's Kreisleriana Op 16, on a new release by the superlatively graceful United States pianist, Karen Kushner. . . .

Kushner's texturing and articulation in nuance and style weave a masterly performance. This solo CD is published by Palatine Records (PL 9-0503, distributed by Eroica Classical Recordings). It is a must for lovers of the great 19th century tradition of Romantic piano repertoire.