The Singing Spirit

Celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year with a Romantic program which transcends place, era, culture and circumstance and allows the spirit to sing. Violinist Kerry DuWors and pianist Katherine Dowling pluck our heartstrings with timeless chronicles of human experience as they shine a spotlight on one of history’s greatest love stories. Robert and Clara Schumann remained devoted both to their art and to each another despite difficulties and adversity. Johannes Brahms was their lifelong confidante and champion, their dearest and most beloved friend. The masterworks of these three extraordinary artists – created in the springtime of the Romantic era – resonate through eloquent compositions designed to refresh the soul and inspire delight in listeners.

From the first moment they heard him play, Clara and Robert Schumannn recognized the young Johannes Brahms as a genius. The friendship between the three endured through collaboration and tragedy. Robert acted as mentor to the young musician and published an article declaring him to be the next Beethoven, garnering Johannes almost instant fame. In response, Johannes wrote, “You have made me so extremely happy that I cannot attempt to express my thanks in words. May God grant that my works will soon be able to prove to you how much your love and kindness have uplifted and inspired me.”

Only months later, Robert’s struggle with madness became overwhelming. Johannes was by Clara’s side to lend comfort and support. She wrote to her children of this time, “He came, like a true friend, to share all my sorrow; he strengthened the heart that threatened to break, he uplifted my mind, he cheered my spirit when[ever] and wherever he could; in short he was my friend in the fullest sense of the word.”

In this violin and piano performance, DuWors and Dowling breathe fresh life into the music and the intriguing history of these three incredible artists.

Johannes Brahms 1855 | Wikimedia Haus Zwickau

“I am affected by everything that goes on in the world and think it all over in my own way…and then I long to express my feelings and find an outlet for them in music.”

 

Robert Schumann

Program

‟THE SINGING SPIRIT”

Robert Schumann: Sonata no.1 in A minor, op.105 (1851)

1. Mit leidenschaftlichem Ausdruck
2. Allegretto
3. Lebhaft

Marjan Mozetich: L’esprit chantant (1995)

Clara Schumann: Three Romances, op.22 (1853)

1. Andante molto
2. Allegretto
3. Leidenschaftlich schnell

Johannes Brahms: Sonata no.2 in A major, op.100 (1886)

1. Allegro amabile
2. Andante tranquillo – vivace
3. Allegretto grazioso

In the face of isolation and darkness, each of us has a spirit that longs to sing, to reach out, to break free. 

Our programme tells the stories of human experience – friendship and intimacy, adversity and despair, hope and love – timeless stories that transcend place, era, culture, and circumstance. The music of these three extraordinary artists came to life in the springtime of the Romantic era.  In it, we hear the stories of the Schumanns and Brahms in selections suffused with emotion, messages, and secrets. The same depth of feeling exudes from the work of celebrated Canadian composer Marjan Mozetich, whose beautiful piece also explores the intimate, the personal, the human, while tugging at the heart strings.

Curated specifically for the Prairie Debut “Close to Home” series, The Singing Spirit is our offering to our fellow prairie dwellers as we create a space for catharsis, comfort, and hope. All of these works invite listeners to travel along an emotional journey – and to reflect upon their own.

Presented in partnership with Prairie Debut

“We have an unspoken, deeply entrenched connection of how we feel the music. It makes it more magical.”

 

Kerry Duwors on her musical collaboration with Katherine Dowling | Brit’s Picks