Ensemble 360

A programme of
CLARA SCHUMANN Three Romances for violin and piano Op.22
SCHUMANN Piano Quintet in E flat Op.44
BRAHMS Serenade in D Op.11 for chamber ensemble

Members of Ensemble 360 perform works by Clara and Robert Schumann as well as Brahms in this evening concert forming part of Love and War Music in the Round’s Festival of World Class Chamber Music.

Speculation about emotional entanglements always arise when the story is told of the relationship between Clara and Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Robert Schumann wrote his impassioned and gloriously melodic Piano Quintet in 1842, dedicating it to his wife Clara, whose own Three Romances were composed in 1853 at a time when Robert's mental health had started to deteriorate. Clara dedicated them to the famous violinist Joseph Joachim and they often performed them together in concerts.

Brahms met the Schumanns in 1853 (thanks to a letter of introduction from the famous violinist), and he became extremely fond of both of them, growing especially close to Clara during Robert’s last illness and remaining lifelong friends after his death. Brahms's grand Serenade was originally written for a chamber ensemble before being recast for orchestra.

This concert will be broadcast by BBC Radio 3.