Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

A Widow into the Future

Donald Macleod discusses a critical moment in Brahms's relationship with Clara Schumann, following the death of her husband.

With the tragic death of Robert Schumann, Brahms reaches a critical moment in his relationship with Clara - should he offer to make her his wife? Or should he abandon the pursuit, and follow his own course in life? Donald Macleod continues his account of their lifelong (although volatile) friendship, and finds Brahms flirting with other female company, much to the annoyance of his first and only true love.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Johannes Brahms

    Concerto No. 1 In D Minor Op.15 For Piano And Orchestra 1st movement; Maestoso

    Performer: Wilhelm Backhaus. Orchestra: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ S O.. Conductor: Adrian Boult.
    • BIDDULPH : LHW-017.
    • BIDDULPH.
    • 1.
  • Johannes Brahms

    Concerto no. 1 in D minor Op.15 - Maestoso

    Performer: Wilhelm Backhaus. Orchestra: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ S O.. Conductor: Adrian Boult.
    • BIDDULPH : LHW-017.
    • BIDDULPH.
    • 1.
  • Johannes Brahms

    Fugue In A Flat Minor For Organ

    Performer: Robert Parkins.
    • Naxos 8.550824.
    • Naxos.
    • 1.
  • Johannes Brahms

    Fugue in A flat minor for organ

    Performer: Robert Parkins.
    • Naxos 8.550824.
    • Naxos.
    • 1.
  • Johannes Brahms

    5 Poems Op.19; no.2; Scheiden und Meiden no.3; In der Ferne

    Performer: Graham Johnson. Singer: Angelika Kirchschlager.
    • HYPERION : CDJ-33121.
    • HYPERION.
    • 1.
  • Johannes Brahms

    5 Poems Op.19 - no 2 Scheiden und Meiden

    Performer: Graham Johnson. Singer: Angelika Kirchschlager.
    • HYPERION : CDJ-33121.
    • HYPERION.
    • 1.
  • Johannes Brahms

    5 Poems Op.19 - no 3 In der Ferne

    Performer: Graham Johnson. Singer: Angelika Kirchschlager.
    • HYPERION : CDJ-33121.
    • HYPERION.
    • 1.
  • Johannes Brahms

    Concerto No. 1 In D Minor Op.15 For Piano And Orchestra

    Conductor: Christian Thielemann. Orchestra: Staatskapelle Dresden. Performer: Maurizio Pollini.
    • Deutsche Grammophon:477 9882.
    • Deutsche Grammophon.
    • 2.
  • Johannes Brahms

    Concerto no. 1 in D minor Op.15 for piano and orchestra - Adagio

    Conductor: Christian Thielemann. Orchestra: Staatskapelle Dresden. Performer: Maurizio Pollini.
    • Deutsche Grammophon:477 9882.
    • 2.
  • Johannes Brahms

    Songs Op.17 For Women's Voices, 2 Horns And Harp; No.1; Es tont ein voller Harfenklang

    Performer: RIAS Chamber Choir. Director: Marcus Creed.
    • HMX: 290159193.
    • HMX.
    • 4.
  • Johannes Brahms

    Es tonnt ein vollen Harfenklang

    Director: Marcus Creed. Performer: RIAS Chamber Choir.
    • HMX: 290159193.
    • HMX.
    • 4.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 8 Oct 2014 12:00
  • Wed 8 Oct 2014 18:30
  • Wed 2 Sep 2015 12:00
  • Wed 2 Sep 2015 18:30

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.