Description

Clara Schumann (née Wieck) stands out as the most significant female pianist of the 19th century. From a young age, she showcased her prodigious talent by touring Europe, and her illustrious career as a piano virtuoso extended over six decades. In addition to her performance prowess, Clara was also a talented composer, having published her Opus 1 at just eleven years old. Despite the societal expectations of women during her time, she produced a remarkable body of work, including numerous piano pieces and songs that rivaled those of her male peers. Unfortunately, the prevailing attitudes of the era often prevented her from being recognized as a legitimate composer, and her contributions were not given the appreciation they deserved. To honor her legacy on the occasion of her 200th birthday, Edition Peters, in partnership with the Schumann-Haus Leipzig, is releasing an Anniversary Songbook for High Voice. This collection features 14 of Clara's most celebrated songs, primarily composed after her marriage to Robert Schumann, who was her staunchest supporter. The volume includes practical editions of these songs, insightful introductions by Frances Falling from Schumann-Haus Leipzig, new English translations of the lyrics, and a CD with recordings of the piano accompaniments.