1993 wasn’t exactly a Schumann year. But a festival celebrating his music is always a great idea!
In 1993, it had been 183 years since the birth of Robert Schumann and 137 years since his passing. You’d say that there was no special reason to organize a festival for this composer. But someone who composed such beautiful music, who so profoundly shaped his era, whose music is enthusiastically being listened to and played even now always deserves to be celebrated.
With that in mind, the Concertgebouw organized a Schumann festival in 1993. Which turned out to be quite crucial. Despite his popularity, we find ourselves repeatedly playing the same works; his Liederkreis, his character pieces for piano and some of his chamber music are well liked and often played, while some of his other works have been left to gather dust.
Time to shed some light on his lesser-known pieces. Especially in his later period, Schumann left behind a ton of music that we scarcely know. Here, we get a taste of Schumann’s love for the French Horn. We will also hear a declamatory piece, with baritone Lieuwe Visser, not singing, delivering a dramatic text over piano accompaniment. It’s only in te encore that the well-known Kinderszenen make their return.
Playlist
