Hi

A friend of mine is having an adult learner's evening with the theme 'women composers'. So I'm just wondering whether anyone has recommendations for pieces by Clara Schumann? I'm not really familiar with her work (and never played any) so this seems like a good chance to try out. I've heard only a few songs and piano pieces (like the Romances), but I think her output is not that limited. Any ideas please?

Thanks!

Hi Panthera,
Have a look at the set of Three Preludes opus 16. they are lovely and not too difficult to learn in a short time.

One of our lecturers at Reading was Sophie Fuller, who has something of a reputation for her researches and writing on women composers. She regards Clara Schumann as a rather ordinary talent. She has a much higher regard for Fanny Henschel, nee Mendelssohn, who is often spoken of as equal to her brother, Felix, in compositional ability. He seems to have thought so, because he was happy for some of her songs without words to be published as his own, at a time and in a society which regarded composition as an unacceptable activity for a respectable middle-class married woman. Unfortunately, I don't know which they are, but I believe some of her earlier compositions are now available under her own name.

I like the string quartets of Elizabeth Maconchy, but don't know her piano music. If you can play Clara Schumann's compositions, you should be able to play those of Amy Beach. Quite a bit easier, and lighter, but well crafted, are those of Cecile Chaminade.

I highly recommend a collection called "Music for Piano" by the Canadian composer Alexina Louie. There are four short pieces in Impressionist style. Technically they are not that difficult, about Grade 7 or 8 standard.

It might be difficult to get the score in the UK, though.

Why is poor Clara getting such a bad press here? Her work is lovely and if Panthera wants to play some of it why try to point her in other directions? It may not be the greatest piano music in the world but it is good playable stuff and would make a very nice addition to an adult learners' concert. Her time will come and she will be the height of fashion. Get in before the rush Panthera!

Yep, I just need a pretty-enough piece and it'd be nice to play something you don't hear very often (not in the least because I won't have much time to practise ). We'll probably focus more on the wine than the playing anyway

Thank you for all the suggestions, though. Some great ideas.