Robert Schumann’s late works tend to be problematical in that his mind was degenerating. Soon he would end his life in a mental hospital. But here and there, a late work turns out to be a gem. These “Fairy Tales” in four movements were written for an unusual combination of instruments: clarinet, viola and piano.
Schumann had a real gift for writing for clarinet. In addition to chamber works for that instrument, his piano concerto has some really haunting clarinet passages.
Sean Osborn plays clarinet with the Seattle Symphony, and when I was living in Seattle, he was a neighbor.
Roberto Diaz plays viola Thursday night, and he is the head honcho at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. I’ve enjoyed exchanging stories about the place and how it has changed since the 1930's when my mother would plunk down three dollars to rent a practice room when she was secretly teaching herself piano.
Schumann: Fairy Tales for Clarinet, Viola and Piano, Op. 132
Thank you Prof for the “Festival”. *Hugs*
Hi Publius!
Thanks for the links...will give a listen.