"The gift of an artist is to help his or her audience remember the things that they love: the things worth living for and dying for. Whether it be poetry, painting, or musical compositions, art is able to pass from one generation to the next and to the next. It has been 128 years since Clara Schumann passed away in Frankfurt, Germany, and yet here I am in 2024, a Filipino-American mother of five sitting at her computer in Boston, Massachusetts writing about a widowed mother of eight young children, the men she loved, and the music they all made."
A beautiful closing sentiment worthy of the artists. In total, beautifully put together, Zina.
Wonderful. One of the great love triangles! I adore Brahms' music. It stands on its own merits, of course. But it's lovely to glimpse behind the curtain of the creative mind. And it's good to know more about Clara, such a remarkable person. Thank you, Zina!
What a beautifully written essay about a fascinating trio from history. Love the title, pacing, musical insertions, and especially this reflection: "Art makes it possible for the tide to bring them back to the shore of memory, like sea glass we can hold up to the light and call beautiful."
Thank you so much, Tara. It’s such a heartbreaking story, and there is so much more. I eliminated the speculation as to who resisted the relationship and why. In the end, they had an intense and fruitful platonic friendship—though at times it seemed quite tortured. BTW- for more interesting stories you can do an internet search of the Schumann children.
Thanks Zina for the post and for the birthday greeting. I'm listening to the music now. I can't pick out the "sighing motif," But the piece is certainly beautiful. And the story of the romance between Brahms and Clara shows the possibility of deep, platonic love.
I always open you pieces like unwrapping a present, and this was a special one on a special day.
You’re welcome, David! When I went to the performance in October there was a talk afterwards with the musicians and the violinist actually picked out the theme on her violin so we could hear it. I believe she first did Robert Schumann’s version of Clara’s theme and then showed how it was inverted or changed in Brahms’ piece that they had just performed. It was very helpful. The link to the podcast has a host who breaks the themes down on piano as well. You’ll probably find it helpful.
I am so glad you liked this post. And again, I hope you have a wonderful birthday! 🎂
"The gift of an artist is to help his or her audience remember the things that they love: the things worth living for and dying for. Whether it be poetry, painting, or musical compositions, art is able to pass from one generation to the next and to the next. It has been 128 years since Clara Schumann passed away in Frankfurt, Germany, and yet here I am in 2024, a Filipino-American mother of five sitting at her computer in Boston, Massachusetts writing about a widowed mother of eight young children, the men she loved, and the music they all made."
A beautiful closing sentiment worthy of the artists. In total, beautifully put together, Zina.
Thank you! It was a joy to write. When I start writing I never know how it will come together.
Zina, you're so talented. This really resonated with me. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Angela! Glad you liked it. ❤️
Beautiful, thank you
Thank you so much, Alexandra!
Love the Brahms c minor piano quartet, and especially the beautiful 3rd movement.
Here is a performance that is my favorite:
https://youtu.be/k9g4V6kmu20?si=zdzwmwuuVd3Ig28I
Oh that’s a beautiful recording! Thank you for sharing. Yes, that third movement is ❤️
Wonderful. One of the great love triangles! I adore Brahms' music. It stands on its own merits, of course. But it's lovely to glimpse behind the curtain of the creative mind. And it's good to know more about Clara, such a remarkable person. Thank you, Zina!
Thank you so much, Jeffrey! It’s such a moving story. It seems like the most beautiful works are created by an artist who must work through hardship.
What a beautifully written essay about a fascinating trio from history. Love the title, pacing, musical insertions, and especially this reflection: "Art makes it possible for the tide to bring them back to the shore of memory, like sea glass we can hold up to the light and call beautiful."
Thank you so much, Tara. It’s such a heartbreaking story, and there is so much more. I eliminated the speculation as to who resisted the relationship and why. In the end, they had an intense and fruitful platonic friendship—though at times it seemed quite tortured. BTW- for more interesting stories you can do an internet search of the Schumann children.
I loved reading this. I never knew! What a story! And the title is brilliant!
Thank you so much, Roseanne! So glad to have you as a reader ❤️
Your connections of history and art are inspiring and enjoyable to read!
Thank you so much! Glad you liked the essay. BTW-Hope to see you in August at Frost Farm!
Thanks Zina for the post and for the birthday greeting. I'm listening to the music now. I can't pick out the "sighing motif," But the piece is certainly beautiful. And the story of the romance between Brahms and Clara shows the possibility of deep, platonic love.
I always open you pieces like unwrapping a present, and this was a special one on a special day.
You’re welcome, David! When I went to the performance in October there was a talk afterwards with the musicians and the violinist actually picked out the theme on her violin so we could hear it. I believe she first did Robert Schumann’s version of Clara’s theme and then showed how it was inverted or changed in Brahms’ piece that they had just performed. It was very helpful. The link to the podcast has a host who breaks the themes down on piano as well. You’ll probably find it helpful.
I am so glad you liked this post. And again, I hope you have a wonderful birthday! 🎂
Thanks Zina.
Happy birthday, to you.😊