Brahms + Schumann Festival

A love triangle steeped in the classical repertoire. Join us as we take a deep dive into one of the Romantic era’s most influential and complex musical relationship – that of Robert and Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms.

Over the next four years, LACO will embark upon a journey examining the works of these three composers and the significance of their relationship to one another.  From epic symphonies to intimate chamber works, we’ll explore their groundbreaking music and the personal connections that inspired it.

Plus, this season, as a contemporary counterpoint, we will present Sarah Gibson’s I do not want horses or diamonds, a fresh perspective on Clara Schumann’s personal life and its influence on Gibson’s music.

BEHIND THE STORY

Famed German composer Johannes Brahms’ relationship with Clara Schumann and her husband Robert was deeply rooted in love; the type found between a between mentor and mentee as well as a supposed romantic connection.  

The love story between Clara and Robert Schumann grew slowly in the 12 years prior to their marriage, meeting when Robert was still a student in her father’s piano studio. Though they spent a brief time apart after Clara’s father disallowed them from being with each other, they found each other again years later through letter writing and eventually won their right to be together after dramatically suing Clara’s father.  

As their relationship and marriage progressed, Clara and Robert fought against societal norms (switching their parenting and breadwinning rolls so that Clara could continue her career), navigated the heights of artistic creation and lows of Robert’s mental health struggles, and collaborated with each other beautifully. The results: beautiful chamber works and eight children. 

Though in 1853, thirteen years into Clara and Robert’s marriage and at the height of Robert’s career, a 20-year-old Johannes Brahms entered their lives. Recognizing Brahms’ immense potential and talent, Robert became his mentor – publicly praising him as the future of music – and the two formed a friendship. In turn, Brahms became s lifelong supporter of the Schumann family.  

After Robert’s tragic decline in mental illness and eventual death in 1856 Brahms grew closer to Clara, supporting her both professionally and personally. Their friendship blossomed into a lasting relationship defined by mutual respect and admiration for each other. Brahms never did marry and many speculate that his deep affection for Clara Schumann played a special role in this.  

Clara continued to perform in her widowhood, playing pieces by both her husband and Brahms, who would often consult her about his own compositions. Their artistic and emotional connection was one of the most significant and poignant relationship in music history, and continued until Clara’s death in 1896. 

The music left behind by three of the most prolific and talented composers of the Romantic era continues to resonate with audiences today.