The Romantic period has always held a special place in my heart. It is a glorious era that explodes within the instrument, offering a canvas of possibilities, dynamics, and emotions that captivate both the performer and the audience. In the creation of my latest album, “Die romantische Seele,” released by Ars Produktion in 2020, I found inspiration in the profound depths of German Romanticism, a musical landscape that has shaped my artistic journey from the very beginning.
The decision to delve into the German Romantic repertoire for this album was not arbitrary but rather a return to my roots. Schumann, a composer whose compositions accompanied my early years as a budding pianist, became a central figure in this exploration. My musical journey began with Schumann, and it was only fitting that I return to this wellspring to rediscover my essence. A decade ago, my first CD was dedicated to Schumann’s works, and since then, I have ventured into various musical territories, from Spanish and French compositions to Russian masterpieces and live recordings. However, the time had come to revisit the core of my musical identity – German Romanticism.
The focal point of “Die romantische Seele” is the Schumann Concerto, a piece premiered and presented to the world by none other than Clara Wieck Schumann. To me, it is inconceivable to separate Robert Schumann from Clara Wieck Schumann – they are the intertwined souls of the Romantics. In crafting this album, I sought not only to perform the Concerto but to narrate the compelling story of the Schumanns through their music. The concerto, a dedication to Clara, served as the cornerstone, and from there, I selected solo pieces that echoed the reciprocal inspiration between the two composers.
The Andantino, a poignant segment of Robert’s Sonata No. 3, was born from a theme by Clara, showcasing the profound musical dialogue that defined their relationship. Another jewel in the album is Clara’s creation, the “Variations on a Theme of Robert Schumann,” a testament to her artistic brilliance and a reflection of the symbiotic nature of their creative process. Through these carefully curated selections, the album becomes a vessel for the exploration of the Schumanns’ mutual inspiration, values, and the very essence of romance that fueled their artistic creations.
As the album unfolds, a thematic undercurrent of drama in a minor key permeates the musical landscape. However, I intentionally chose to conclude the journey on a note of hope and optimism. The final piece, set in the C major tonality, resonates with the innocence and purity emblematic of the Arabeske by Robert Schumann. It serves as a deliberate choice to leave the listener with a sense of upliftment, a departure from the prevailing dramatic undertones that characterize much of the album.
The recording process for “Die romantische Seele” was a profoundly emotional experience, enhanced by the collaboration with the Orquestra Simfònica Camera Musicae, a Catalan orchestra with whom I share a close and longstanding relationship. Prior to entering the recording studio, we embarked on a tour, laying the groundwork for a synergy that would elevate the final product. The familiarity gained from the tour allowed us to infuse a sense of spontaneity into the recording, reminiscent of the energy and connection that one would typically find in a live performance. Despite the inherent stops and additions that come with the recording process, the album retains the vitality and authenticity of a live concert, a testament to the shared musical journey of the performers.
Conclusion
“Die romantische Seele” is more than a collection of meticulously performed compositions; it is a journey through the hearts and minds of two inseparable souls – Robert and Clara Schumann. Through their music, I sought to unravel the intricacies of their artistic partnership, the profound influence they had on each other, and the enduring legacy they left within the tapestry of Romanticism. As I reflect on this musical exploration, I am reminded that, like the Schumanns, the essence of art lies in the connections we forge, the inspiration we draw from one another, and the stories we tell through our craft.
