Clara Schumann, Composer

[gvans]

In the process of putting together a piano trio, I ordered up Clara Schumann's Op. 17 Piano Trio in G Minor on a whim. The only music I've heard by her before was Olga Kern playing a set of variations on a theme by Robert, and I was much impressed by their subtle harmony and play of colors.

So--the piano trio is excellent. I'm confused as to why it's not played more. A four movement piece, it has beautiful melodies, exquisite harmonies, and solves the perennial trio problem--how to give the 'cello a solid voice in the proceedings.

Does male chauvinism remain strong in classical music? Clara had some serious chops as a composer; my understanding is that she quit composing because a) she wanted to focus on concertizing and pay for all those kids she had with Robert, b) she wanted to promote Robert's work, and c) it was damned hard to compete with Johannes Brahms, her best friend through the years.

So I'm reading through this trio, loving it, and thinking, what a shame. Too bad she didn't stick with it. Anyone else want to weigh in on Clara as a composer?

[thalbergmad]

Does male chauvinism remain strong in classical music?

Probably, but if it does it surely must be at a lesser level than it was in Clara's day.

My only experience of her as a composer is the piano concerto which did not ring my bell, but since I am in female composer mode at the moment I will try to listen to her a bit more.

Surely cannot be any worse than her husband.

Thal