Lucy Parham and Harriet Walter: I, Clara

The life story of Clara Schumann told in her own words, with readings from her letters and diaries interspersed with live performances of her piano music.

Lucy Parham piano, script
Harriet Walter narrator

R. Schumann:: Romance in F. sharp, Op.28 No.2
Wieck:: Polonaise in E flat, Op.1 No.1
Chopin:: Nocturne in F sharp, Op.15 No.2
C. Schumann, arr Lizst:: Geheimes Flüstern hier und dort ("Secret whispering here and there"), Op.23 No.3
R. Schumann:: Sonata No.2 in G minor, Op.22: 1st movement
Mendelssohn:: Song without Words in A, Op.62 No.6, “Spring Song”
C. Schumann:: Romance in E flat minor, Op.11 No.1
R. Schumann:: Erster Verlust ("First Loss", from Album for the Young), Op.68 No.16
Brahms:: Intermezzo in A minor, Op.118 No.1
R. Schumann:: Intermezzo in E flat minor Op.26
R. Schumann:: Kind im Einschlummern ("Child Falling Asleep", from Kinderszenen), Op.15 No.12
R. Schumann:: Arabeske in C, Op.18
Brahms:: Ballade in G minor, Op.118 No.3
R. Schumann, arr. Lizst:: Widmung ("Dedication", from Myrthen), Op.25 No.1

Created to celebrate the life and work of Clara Schumann (née Wieck), this programme tells her extraordinary story in her own words.

She was an exceptional woman, not just a devoted wife to the composer Robert Schumann, but a groundbreaking musician in her own right. Over a period of 60 years she gave over 1,500 concerts and determined the format of the kind of piano recital which is familiar to us today.

The narrative of I, Clara is drawn from letters and diaries and sits alongside live performances of her works and of music by Robert Schumann, Brahms, Liszt, Mendelssohn, and Chopin.

The furniture in this performance are part of the new collection found in House & Garden, all purchases in our shops help support the charitable work of Britten Pears Arts.

Helmingham Chair / Wilby Large Side Table

It’s my favourite thing for Clara Schumann’s Anniversary and my Album of the Week. It’s a seriously moving tribute
Andrew McGregor, BBC Radio 3 Record Review

A beautifully crafted portrait of Clara Schumann. Be prepared to shed a tear
5 Stars
Pianist Magazine

One of the must-see events of the musical calendar
BBC Music Magazine