Daily Beethoven

Schubert: 8 Variations on an Original Theme, Opus 35

Saturday, June 26, 2021

This sensational performance of Schubert’s “8 Variations on an Original Theme”, Opus 35, for piano four hands is by Martha Argerich and Daniel Barenboim, who first met as children growing up in Buenos Aires and who both went on to establish long and brilliant careers.

Schubert, Opus 10, Variations

Friday, June 25, 2021

In 1822, though Beethoven was the towering figure in Vienna’s musical life, the 25-year-old Franz Schubert had already made a name for himself with songs including his Opus 1, “Der Erlkönig” (The Elf-king) and Opus 2 “Gretchen am Spinnrad” (Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel).

Schumann: Op. 42-8, Frauenliebe und Leben

Thursday, June 24, 2021

The song cycle „Frauenliebe und –leben“ (A woman’s life and love) ends with the woman having to face the rest of her life alone after her husband’s death.

Schumann: Op. 42-7, Frauenliebe und Leben

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

In the penultimate song from Schumann's “Frauenliebe und –leben” (A woman’s Life and Love) the young woman is speaking to her babe and sharing her joy at nourishing this new life.

Schumann: Op. 42-6, Frauenliebe und Leben

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

In the tender and intimate "Süßer Freund“ (Sweet friend), the young woman shares the news of her pregnancy with her husband. This is song number six from Schumann’s “Frauenliebe und –leben” (A Woman's Life and Love).

Schumann: Op. 42-5, Frauenliebe und Leben

Monday, June 21, 2021

In this fifth song of Schumann’s "Frauenliebe und –leben“, the woman is with her friends preparing for her wedding.

Schumann: Op. 42-4, Frauenliebe und Leben

Sunday, June 20, 2021

In the beautiful song "Du Ring on meinem Finger“ (You, ring on my finger), the young woman muses over how her life has changed: she had found herself in despair, without a higher purpose in life, and now finds meaning in dedicating herself to her beloved. This is the fourth song in Schumann's "Frauenliebe und -leben" (A Woman's Life and Love).

Schumann: Op. 42-3, Frauenliebe und Leben

Saturday, June 19, 2021

In the third song of Schumann's “Frauenliebe und Leben” (A Woman’s Life and Love), the young woman is amazed and overwhelmed because the man she thought she could only admire from afar has pledged his troth to her.

Schumann: Op. 42-2, Frauenliebe und Leben

Friday, June 18, 2021

In the second song from Schumann’s "Frauenliebe und Leben“ (A Woman’s Life and Love), she praises the man she loves but declares herself unworthy of him.

Schumann: Op. 42-1, Frauenliebe und Leben

Thursday, June 17, 2021

The great composer Robert Schumann, who fought to advance the classical tradition against the encroachment of the romantic school, lamented that he and his associates had made real progress in only one genre – the classical “Lied” (art song).

Sign in with:

Or sign up: