Clara Schumann (Sept. 13, 1819 - May 20, 1896) was a German composer and pianist, born to musical parents in Leipzig. Her father was well-known throughout Leipzig, where he sold and repaired pianos, and gave piano lessons. She took lessons from him, and he also made sure she was educated in music theory, counterpoint, harmony, and composition. She had her first recital at age 10, and had a wildly successful career as a pianist from that point onward, receiving praise from audiences and critics alike. The day before she turned 21 she married composer Robert Schumann.

Clara Schumann, was equally brilliant at composing as she was a pianist. Sadly she said she was too busy to composer later on in life, but she did write works for piano and violin, several lieder and choral works, a piano concerto, and  Piano Trio in 1846. The first movement, Allegro moderato, is ever-churning with its moody themes and chromatic passages. It's dramatic and beautifully dark, in the key of G minor. The second movement, Scherzo and Trio, moves to B-flat and E-flat major, and is playful and jovial. The Andante third movement is heartfelt, with a piano solo introduction, then taken over by the violin, and then cello, with a dramatic interruption later on, before it returns to it's highly Romantic, heartfelt mood. The finale movement, Allegretto, is elegant, and written incredibly well not just for her own instrument, but for the cello and violin as well. Her musical maturity and composition prowess are on great display for this last movement!

Here are some recordings of this wonderful piece for you to enjoy!

Dartington Piano Trio
The Atlantis Trio
Volta Piano Trio