Composers Robert and Clara Schumann

This course celebrates the personal and musical relationship between Robert and the love of his life Clara, and how their romance sparked some of the most passionate and beautiful music of the Romantic era. We will explore how their works became one of the more defining styles of the Romantic period, and how they contributed to the long- term development of classical music.

Through close examination of some of the most beautiful love songs that inspired Robert and Clara to write for one another, we will see how they each pushed the boundaries of music aesthetics for the sake of self expression. Each of them mastered the art of word painting, and contributed to one of the more popular genres in the Romantic period — the song cycle.

A deep analysis of each piece will reveal the level of sophistication in their music, and lead to a better understanding and appreciation for their work. We will dissect and examine their work through the many elements in their music such as melody, harmony, word painting, texture, instrumentation and orchestration, musical form and more.

The class will cover some of the most noteworthy music by Robert from his album “Scenes from Childhood...” to his lied from the song cycle ‘A Poet’s Love’, Clara’s notable Piano trio, the beautiful ‘Three Romances’, her love song ‘If You Love For Beauty, and the Piano Concerto she composed and premiered at age 16.

This course is designed for music lovers as well as musicians who would like to deepen their understanding of Clara and Robert’s style and their personal musical signature.

While reading music can deepen your experience, it is absolutely not necessary, and you will be able to follow and enjoy the class equally. Join me on this journey into the music of Robert and Clara Schumann; their beautiful and long lasting works that were inspired by their love and companionship.​