“A superb collection.” — ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ BBC Music Magazine
This is the third of four albums in our recording cycle exploring the closely intertwined personal and artistic connections between three musical giants: Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. The symphonies of Robert and Johannes are paired and combined with chamber and orchestral works of the composer, pianist, mother, wife, and muse that they so admired, cherished, and loved – Clara.
This music is a joyous gift to listeners but also a window into an intimate artistic conversation between the three composers. As you will read in the eloquent notes by author Jan Swafford and Clara Schumann scholar Julie Pedneault-Deslauriers, the works on this recording are as interwoven in their musical DNA as the lives of these three extraordinary musicians. It is my hope that in listening, we hear the mutual inspiration and admiration that they shared, recognize the debt they owe to one another, and celebrate how much they gave us.
“Shelley wields a taut baton, presenting textures that are slender yet not too wispy, filled with spirited rhythms but sensibly measured tempos.” BBC Music