CD of the Week on RBB: “Schumann: Romances & Fantasies” with clarinetist François Benda

“Schumann did not compose much music for the clarinet, only dedicating the Fantasiestücke, Op. 73 to this instrument. However, Schumann gave performers much artistic liberty when it came to the performance of his chamber music. Thus, many of his works include the words “ad libitum” where the instrument is named ... François Benda has taken these liberties and in addition to the Fantasiestücke has also recorded the Adagio and Allegro, Op. 70, the A Minor Violin Sonata and 3 Romanzen, Op. 94 ... Latvian pianist Elena Gotsouliak has long been François Benda’s chamber music partner. Their intuitive ensemble playing creates a sense of balance which puts the highly Romantic works of Robert and Clara Schumann in a very natural light without sacrificing any of the works' profundity.”

Click here to hear about our second CD of the Week with pianist Tobias Koch.