A love-letter in the form of a piano trio from Robert to Clara.
Performed by NZTrio: Amalia Hall (violin), Ashley Brown (cello), and Somi Kim (piano).
NZTrio - Somi Kim, Amalia Hall, Ashley Brown Photo: Tai Nelson/NZTrio
Schumann wrote that his first trio was born of “a time of gloomy periods”, but this one is “of a completely different character – it makes a breezier and more ingratiating impression.”
He started writing it while on holiday with his wife Clara and their daughters — one of the happiest periods of his, it has to be admitted, rather tormented life.
Most of all, this trio is a love song to Clara. He quoted from two of his songs – one from Liederkreis in the first movement, and another from Frauenliebe und Leben in the third.
Clara Schumann later wrote: “It is one of the pieces of Robert’s that delights and warms the depths of my soul from beginning to end. I love it passionately and would like to go on playing it again and again.”
Recorded by RNZ Concert in the Loft at Q Theatre
Producer: Tim Dodd; Engineer: Adrian Hollay
