Friday, October 22, 2021 7:30pm to 8:30pm
About this Event
Join us as we explore the life and music of two remarkable Romantic-era pianists-composers, with distinguished careers in the private and public sphere respectively. Hensel and Wieck Schumann produced an outstanding output of piano music and songs—some 250 for Hensel alone—while navigating their artistry within the gender, family, and class expectations of their time (including Hensel’s relationship with her brother Felix Mendelssohn and Wieck Schumann’s relationship with her husband Robert). We will begin our journey with a visit to the Berlin salons hosted by Hensel in the 1830s and 1840s, from there we will transition to the public world of Wieck Schumann, one of the most acclaimed touring soloists of the age.
In contrast to Hensel, Clara Wieck Schumann (1819–1896)—the working-class daughter of a piano teacher and later wife of Robert Schumann—enjoyed a triumphant public performing career across Europe. Through 60 years of tours, Wieck Schumann co-founded the modern piano recital, emphasizing the “canon” of German masters that has shaped the culture of classical music to this day. Her impact is even more impressive when one considers the conflicting demands of generating income, promoting her husband’s career, and supporting promising new musicians (including Brahms), all the while raising seven children. Moreover, like Hensel, Wieck Schumann was an outstanding composer of Lieder and piano music. This talk will take the audience on a journey alongside one of the supreme musical stars of the Romantic era.
Buy tickets for the first lecture on Oct. 15 here.
Must purchase tickets to obtain zoom link
Copyright: 2019 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved.
Emergency Information
Privacy Statement & Legal Notices