Dresdner Musikfestspiele: Martina Gedeck & Schumann Quartett

About the Event

Join us for an enchanting evening as Martina Gedeck and the Schumann Quartet blend storytelling with classical music.
In 1853, Johannes Brahms, then a budding 20‐year‐old composer, made a memorable visit to the Schumanns in Düsseldorf along the picturesque Rhine. Clara Schumann wrote joyfully about Brahms, celebrating both his companionship and his musical talents, which her husband Robert deeply admired. Their profound friendship persevered even through trying times, notably after Robert was confined to a mental health facility. During this period, Brahms provided unwavering support to the expectant Clara and her six children, sparking rumors of a clandestine romance. When award‐winning actress Martina Gedeck recites from Clara's heartfelt letters and documents, audiences gain a profound glimpse into the intricate emotional world of these historic figures. Accompanied by the Schumann Quartet's poignant renditions of pieces by their namesake, Mendelssohn, Reimann, and Brahms, the performance weaves a captivating narrative of love and loyalty set to a mesmerizing musical backdrop.

The program includes:
A dramatized concert featuring readings from Clara Schumann alongside musical pieces by Robert Schumann, including the 2nd movement from the string quartet in A minor op. 41/1; Felix Mendelssohn's 3rd movement from his string quartet in A minor op. 13; the emotionally charged chorale “When my hour comes” arranged by Aribert Reimann for string quartet; and Johannes Brahms' poignant "Adagio. In memory of Robert Schumann" from his String Quartet in C minor, op. 51 no. 1.
Step back in time through an evocative blend of words and music in this unique performance.