De Waart’s Schumann

Marking the bicentenary of the birth of Robert Schumann, this concert celebrates one of the most powerful musical marriages in history. Originally called “Clara” after his wife, Schumann’s Fourth Symphony expresses his profound love for her, while love is also at the root of the Overture, Schumann confessing that “I have never given such love and outlay of force to any composition as to that of Manfred”. An even more potent symbol of their love is the famous Piano Concerto, begun the year after they married and first performed by Clara. Today her place on the concert platform is taken by the brilliant young Chinese pianist Chen Sa.