The artists on this recording, Porter and McNaught, commissioned the English composer Sally Beamish and Scottish author Janice Galloway a work to pair with Robert Schumann's Frauenliebe und -Leben so they could be sung together in recital. Robert Schumann's song cycle is such a famous work, most singers and pianists will tackle it at some point in their careers - they are the most beautiful songs. Inspired by Frauenliebe und -Leben, Beamish and Galloway created Clara, a wonderful work in which Clara Schumann's life unfolds in a soliloquy brimming with drama and heart stopping tenderness. From a childhood controlled by a dictatorial father, Clara went on to marry Robert. Robert Schumann was a troubled man of genius whose suicide attempt led to his early death in an asylum which could offer little hope. Left to pick up the pieces, Clara, who bore him 8 children, became the foremost piano virtuosos of her time and outlived him by 40 years. Also included in this recording are some of Clara Schumann's greatest songs, a perfect opening to this brilliantly concepted album.

Tracklist:

3 Lieder, Op. 12~No.
Warum willst du and're fragen?
3 Lieder, Op. 12~No.
Liebst du um SchÃ¶nheit
Mein Stern!
6 Lieder, Op. 13/
Sie liebten sich beide
Clara
Frauenliebe und -Leben, Op. 42~Seit ich ihn gesehen
Frauenliebe und -Leben, Op. 42~Er, der Herrlichste von allen
Frauenliebe und -Leben, Op. 42~Ich kann's nicht fassen, nicht glauben
Frauenliebe und -Leben, Op. 42~Du Ring an meinem Finger
Frauenliebe und -Leben, Op. 42~Helft mir, ihr Schwestern
Frauenliebe und -Leben, Op. 42~SÃ¼sser Freund, du blickest
Frauenliebe und -Leben, Op. 42~An meinem Herzen, an meiner Brust
Frauenliebe und -Leben, Op. 42~Nun hast du mir den ersten Schmerz getan

UPC: 5060216342498
Label: First Hand
Release Date: 9.3.21
Format: CD

Beamish / Porter / Mcnaught - Clara (CD)