Cappuccino Concerts presents two beloved works from the pinnacle of the Romantic chamber music repertoire, featuring Irina Vasileva-Thoo in Schumann's Piano Quintet and Ashley Smith in Brahms' Clarinet Quintet.

 

On 12 September 1840 Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck finally overcame her father's opposition and were married. "Yes," she wrote to a friend, "we have finally achieved our greatest desire and enjoy great happiness... we have so many musical pleasures now that our life is truly blissful."

 

Schumann's Piano Quintet was composed for his young bride, not only for her particular qualities as a virtuoso, but in acknowledgement of their Bach studies - whose prelude No. 7 from Book 1 of the 48 Preludes and Fugues, is reflected in the opening theme of the Quintet.

 

When Clara Schumann first heard Brahms' Clarinet Quintet, she wrote: "It is a really marvellous work, the wailing clarinet takes hold of one; it is most moving. And what interesting music, deep and full of meaning!"

These poignant words by Brahms' closest female friend describe music that pulsates with yearning. In its opening measures are the seeds that germinate in the rest of composition, which is perfect not only in terms of its structural and technical rigour, but its unequalled power to evoke the most complex emotions and passions.

 

 

To see the full media release click here.