John Axelrod and Bucharest symphonyannounce release of Schumann project
22/05/2023

John Axelrod

The Bucharest Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra Simfonică București) and its
Principal Conductor, John Axelrod, in the frame of partnership with ClasseekMusic, announce the signing and upcoming September 2023 release on OrchidClassics of the project ‘Schumann 41/51: Florestan & Eusebius’, recorded instudio at the Sala Gloria in Bucharest, with live video performance at theRomanian Athenaeum on March 22, 2023.
The press release says: « ‘Schumann 41/51: Florestan & Eusebius’ offers theopportunity to discover or even rediscover Schumann’s music and hismadness. As the esteemed concert pianist and psychiatrist Dr. Richard Kogan
has confirmed in his presentations and lectures, ‘Schumann’s music illustrates
the complex relationship between creative genius and psychiatric illness.’ Hebelieves that Schumann’s music is a ‘dramatic example of the capacity ofbipolar disorder to influence the creative process’.

Robert Schumann

Announcing during the two week mental health awareness period in the UKand EU, from May 15-28, 2023, and as an ongoing contribution to the dialogue
and understanding of Robert Schumann’s Bi-Polar condition, Orchid Classics ispleased to announce the exclusive release of this unique presentation of bothversions of Schumann’s 4th Symphony: the original version, composed andpremiered in 1841 and published nearly 50 years later with the help fromJohannes Brahms, and the revised 1851 version, completed three years before
his untimely death, and defended and protected by his widow, ClaraSchumann.
Both versions of the same 4th Symphony are very different, even from thestart. The 1841 is Italianate in the late classical style and marked Andante con
moto. The 1851, with a tempo indication of Ziemlich Langsam paints adifferent portrait in the German romantic tradition. Both versions offer insights
into the history of the two people who loved Robert Schumann most, and show
how these two versions reflect Schumann’s bi-polar dual nature.
Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, is a psychiatricdisorder characterized by frequent mood swings that range from periods ofeuphoria to periods of depression. The disorder can severely impact a person’slife, affecting relationships, daily activities, and the ability to work or learn.
Composer Robert Schumann’s music was influenced by this illness, and thissymphony, like much of his music, can be seen as an expression of it.
This recording, perhaps the only time in discography that both versions areincluded together, represents a joint effort to portray Schumann’s work and tobetter understand his illness and its impact on his life and music. What more
can the symphony tell us?

Robert & Clara Schumann

The love between Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck Schumann is a moving
story that can be heard in the d minor symphony. For Robert and ClaraSchumann, the universal language of music was their personal language oflove. Schumann allowed his music to express his deep love for Clara. Theirlove survived parental disapproval, gossip, and discomfort in social situations
to become one of the great loves of the classical music world. In the first yearof their marriage from 1840-1841, known as his ‘Year of Song’ and ‘Year of theSymphony,’ Robert Schumann was in a manic phase and wrote over 130 songs
for voice and piano, his 1st Symphony, ‘Frühling,’ his d minor Symphony, whichbecame the 4th and many more important works. The d minor symphony wasparticularly inspired both by his feelings for Clara from the time he courted herand by their new life together. The public heard the music of Robert and Clara
Schumann, but few knew that this music contained secret messages from thecomposer to his muse, such as thematic material that mentioned her name orworks dedicated to her. The descending fifth of the opening movement of the dminor symphony was often used by him to symbolise her, calling it the ClaraTheme, as it had been part of a theme in one of her compositions. Both Robertand Clara used music as an expression of their deepest thoughts. But Robert
Schumann uniquely called himself Florestan and Eusebius, two distinct
personalities representing both his editorial anonymity as a critic and theemotional contrasts heard in his music.
Maestro Axelrod explains his motivations, « After recording the Brahms
symphonies and the songs of Clara Schumann, I am grateful to the Bucharest
Symphony Orchestra in joining me on my next musical journey to delve deeply
into Robert Schumann’s life, his love, and his long struggle for mental health.
While much of his music and writings reflect his bipolar condition, these twopublications, one written during a manic creative year and the other in thedepths of his emotional despair, provide for me the most telling representationof this radical romantic. While it was endlessly interesting for me, I hope toshare this musical discovery with my fellow musicians, our audience andlisteners. In the process, perhaps we will all appreciate that even those who
suffer from mental illness can create works of genius. Ultimately, we may learnsomething new about this extraordinary man who for many remains anenigma. »Catalin Opritoiu, President of the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra Associationand Founder says: « In the harmonious realm where talent meets dedication,
the unique Schumann 41/51 recording project with Maestro John Axelrod
resonates as a testament to artistic synergy. As we embark on this musicalvoyage, guided by Axelrod’s masterful conducting and the passion of theBucharest Symphony Orchestra, we celebrate the profound beauty andemotional depth of Schumann’s works. Together, we strive to unravel theintricacies of these masterpieces, breathing life into every note, and inviting
listeners to experience the profound tapestry of human emotions through theuniversal language of music. »https://www.pizzicato.lu/john-axelrod-and-bucharest-symphony-announcerelease-of-schumann-project/?
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