Search - Clara Wieck Schumann, Jozef de Beenhouwer :: Clara Schumann: Complete Piano Works

A captivating and important achievement

Frank T. Manheim | Fairfax VA | 01/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Robert Schumann was a central figure in the Romantic period of classical music. Fitting the period, the romantic idyll of Robert and Clara Schumann's trial-filled courtship and ultimate marriage against the wishes of Clara's father, Friedrich Wieck, has been endlessly written about.



But it is not until now that we have, for the first time, access to the complete piano compositions of Clara Schumann. I cannot imagine a more sensitive and nuanced performance of these works than that of Jozef De Beenhouwer, a Belgian pianist who has made a specialty of the music of both Robert and Clara Schumann. He received the Robert Schumann Prize from the City of Zwickau, Schumann's birthplace, and has completed an unfinished second concerto of Clara Schumann, not included in this set.



Clara Schumann was prepared by her father not only to be a virtuoso pianist. He also envisaged her as the first great female composer. He opposed her marriage to Robert in part because he reckoned that her probable role as a wife and mother - as well as Robert's ambitions as a comoposer - would bury her talent. Clara's first group of compositions were published when she was only 11 years of age. A surviving piano concerto, Op. 7, was performed to critical acclaim when Clara was 16.



Clara Schumann continued as a famous pianist and musical presence throughout her life (40 years after her husband's tragic death). However, although Robert recognized her compositional talent and encouraged her, the birth of eight children, and her role as a wife and pianist early curtailed her compositional activity (old Wieck was right in this respect). Her compositions have widely been regarded as worth little attention in comparison to those of her husband.



But this collection lets us make up our own minds about Clara's compositions. Most are from her early years, with a few from her later life. Except for her Concerto, many of the early works are in light genres, e.g. Polonaises (Op. 1), Romances, Impromptus, etc, but I found boldness, confidence, and originality in works from her earliest years. The Scherzi, Op. 10 and 14, are powerful and technically demanding. Some of the most remarkable pieces are preludes and fuges based on themes of J.S.Bach, and themes by Robert, written in the year, 1845, which gained favorable reviews for their skill and substance.



In summary, my wife and I both find this four-CD set both highly rewarding music beyond any novelty value associated the fame of the Schumann connection. In fact, I don't hesitate to make my own assessment that had Clara had the same opportunities as Robert, she may well have equalled him as a composer and fulfilled father Friedrich's dream."

Clara schumann

Thelma G. Landon | 09/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Thanks to the pianist we have all the piano works of Clara Schumann. It is a rare treasure to have such recordings. Every music major should have a copy of these cd's. Clara Schumann as a composer is amazing! Clara Schumann's technical and musical command will raise applause indeed! Of course we credit the pianist for accomplishing such a huge recording endeavor. In general, the pieces are very well played with a marvelous technique and good sensitivity. But I don't personally agree with all the interpretations such as the Mazurka in g minor. I felt that was too slow and schmaltzy. But wow oh wow for the Impromptu Le Sabbat!! What amazing technique of Jozef de Beenhouwer and an awesome creation of Clara."