Music for the soul: Clara Schumann’s »Three Romances for Violin and Piano« are among the the Romantic pianist and composer’s most cherished works. Rich in emotional nuance, from intimate tenderness to fervent intensity, the three varied movements demand a wide range of emotional expression from performers. Violinist Noa Wildschut and pianist Elisabeth Brauß perform the work in their »Elbphilharmonie Session« in the Recital Hall, having already won over the hearts of their Hamburg audience the previous evening with their performance in the »Fast Lane« series.
»These romances are filled with such tenderness and beauty. Our hope is to share a little love and optimism with the world.«
Noa Wildschut
Production:
Karola Parry Sound
Ruth Günther Sound Assistant
Tobias Giese Technical Project Management
Andreas Larsmeyer, Maik Merkel, Matthias Schrödter, Jörn Grell, Oskar Lowe Elbphilharmonie Technicians
Pauline Schüler, Julian Conrad Camera
Julian Conrad Edit
Julika von Werder, Julian Conrad Production Management
The Artists
Dutch violinist Noa Wildschut and pianist Elisabeth Brauß have been performing regularly as a duo since 2018. Their collaboration has included a performance at the Elbphilharmonie’s »Rising Stars« festival in 2020, followed by a return to the Recital Hall in spring 2025 for a contrasting and captivating duo evening. Both artists rank among the most accomplished musicians of their generation and have already established international careers. A recipient of the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation scholarship, Noa Wildschut has performed with leading orchestras such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne. Elisabeth Brauß, originally from Hanover and a former member of the BBC New Generation Artist Scheme, has played with ensembles including the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Concert with Noa Wildschut and Elisabeth Brauß in the Recital Hall
About the music
When Clara Schumann sent her freshly composed »Three Romances« to her friend, the violinist Joseph Joachim, she wrote confidently: »You can look forward to what follows without hesitation!« She and her husband, Robert Schumann, had long known the young concertmaster from Hanover – hailed as a child prodigy, he had already shared the stage with Clara Schumann at the Leipzig Gewandhaus when he was just twelve.
Her confident prediction was spot on: Today, the three lyrical and expressive movements for violin and piano rank among her most beloved compositions.
It was only natural that Clara Schumann performed the piano part herself at the premiere of her »Three Romances«. Her mastery as a virtuoso allowed her to bring out its full technical brilliance and nuance.
»For pianists, works by Clara Schumann present both a challenge and a rewarding experience, offering fulfillment on multiple levels – both technically and artistically.«
Elisabeth Brauß
The venue
The Elbphilharmonie Recital Hall is a true master of transformation: its audience grandstand, seating up to 550 people, can be seamlessly retracted into the rear wall of the rectangular-shaped room. Uniquely warm, clear acoustics are ensured by the hall’s distinctive wood panelling – ideal for recitals and chamber music. Meanwhile, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems make it equally suited for spectacular pop performances and visually striking productions.
Chamber music, jazz and electro, children‘s concerts and dance performances: the program in the Recital Hall is diverse.
About the series
Artists record exclusive music videos at the Elbphilharmonie and the Laeiszhalle for Elbphilharmonie Sessions – sometimes in unusual locations offstage. Discover the concert halls from the inside. Discover what they sound like.
