While Clara Schumann’s name is well known, it is mostly as a pianist and as the wife of Robert Schumann. In recent years, however, her talents as a composer have been increasingly revealed.
So, too, have those of the British-born, American-based Rebecca Clarke (1886–1979) and all credit to Jack Liebeck and Katya Apekisheva for featuring works by both in their programme for the Proms at St Jude’s.
Schumann’s Three Romances provided opportunities for these fine artists to explore the music’s introspective qualities, while responding to their incipient passion. Clarke’s Midsummer Moon made an impression with its atmospheric textures and forward-looking harmonies, while forming a bridge to the two major items: violin sonatas by Gabriel Fauré (No. 1 in A) and César Franck.
Liebeck and Apekisheva allowed themselves the latitude to dwell on the pensive moments, tapping their expressive potential to the full. They then rose to the high drama of the cascading figuration of the Franck that brought the recital to a triumphant close.
Broadcast on BBC Radio 3, July 28; festival ends on Sunday June 30, promsatstjudes.org.uk
