Debut Album

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Schumann Fantasy Op. 17

Clara Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann, Op. 20

Clara Impromptu in E Major

Clara Romance in B Minor

Fantasy Op. 17 in C Major is considered to be one of the greatest works by Schumann and was dedicated to Franz Liszt. This work was composed in 1836 for fundraising to build Beethoven’s monument, then it was published three years later and dedicated to Franz Liszt. During this period, Schumann and Clara Wieck's love was opposed by Clara's father. Being separated from Clara, Schumann then expressed pain, longing, and passionate love in the first movement, and quoted Beethoven's The Distant Beloved in the ending, showing his pursuit of love. Of which Schumann himself had said it is perhaps the most passionate music he had ever written. The second movement brings more vitality, with a strong rhythm keeping the energy of the whole movement, followed by an exciting coda, and eventually ending in the brilliant and vibrant chords. The third movement, a peaceful and warm written movement, profoundly reveals the deepest emotions and expression of Schumann. The subtle harmonic changes in music and suspended chords offer a sense of attachment and lingering impression of longing to music.

Clara’s Variations on a Theme of Robert Schumann was written based on the fourth piece from Schumann's collection of piano pieces Bunte Blätter, Op. 99 (Colourful Leaves), and this work was written for Schumann's forty-third birthday in 1853. This work includes seven different variations, all of which share the same characteristics and tonality, showcasing a sense of chorale-like and introspective feeling. The original melody was kept from the Theme throughout the whole variations, under the same structure of harmonies. Each variation is carefully designed with different rhythmic elements and virtuosic textures, creating a reflective, romantic, and expressive atmosphere.

Impromptu in E Major was composed in 1844, the early years of Schumann's and Clara's marriage, and was published later in Friedrich Kalkbrenner’s Album du Gaulois in 1885. The delicate and light piece unfolds with elegant arpeggios that lead to a dance-like melody. The bright tonality and flowing rhythms capture the sense of grace, showing the vitality and imagination of music, leaving a lingering impression of joy and charm.

Clara composed Romance in B minor in 1856, inscribed with Christmas 1856, the same year Robert Schumann died. This B minor romance remained unpublished until 1979, when it was finally brought to print. This was the last romance Clara wrote and was dedicated to Johannes Brahms. The music is overwhelmed by a heavy and melancholic atmosphere, and the recurring themes seem to draw inspiration from Johannes Brahms’ F minor Piano Sonata.

The mournful tone and descending melodies convey her somber mood and express the loss of her beloved husband, Robert Schumann.