Clara and the women

Available for 28 days

Clara Schumann is considered one of the most talented composer-pianists of the Romantic era. Put to work by her domineering father from an early age, as a touring performer she soon drew the admiration of her peers - and made friends who would remain important presences in her life until the end. As an adult, she spent several hours every day writing and replying to their letters. This week, Donald Macleod explores some of those relationships. Clara Schumann biographies are often dominated by stories of the men in her life - but Clara had many significant relationships with women also, though they are not as well recorded. Today, Donald explores how Clara’s attitude to her own gender evolved over the years. Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 The Nash Ensemble 3 Lieder Op. 12 Olena Tokar, soprano Igor Gryshyn, piano 6 Lieder, Op. 13 Barbara Bonney, soprano Vladimir Ashkenazy, piano Lehmann, L: The Daisy-Chain Catherine Wyn-Rogers, mezzo-soprano Janice Watson, soprano Steuart Bedford, piano Toby Spence, tenor Neal Davies, baritone Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West