Clara, Robert, and Johannes - a phantasy on a romantic triangle

(2004) 90' / for 18 musicians and trombone solo.

music: Robert Schumann and Mike Svoboda.
texts: Manfred Weiss, E.T.A. Hoffmann, Heiner Müller, Johannes Brahms, etc.

Premiere by the Bodensee-Oberschwaben chamber orchestra under the direction of Mike Svoboda on May 8th, 2004 in Tettnang, Germany. Commissioned by the Bodensee Festival.

view score on issuu


with the following works:

Vorstellung, Fantasie und Form Text: Manfred Weiss
for trombone (recitation) and chamber orchestra

Pairs 1, 2 and 3 - #1: Clara and Robert
for trombone (recitation), two turntables and ensemble Poets and Lovers

a "concertino" for Fender Rhodes and chamber orchestra
in four mouvments after themes form Robert Schumann Dichterliebe

The ring and a flowery green nightgown Text: Manfred Weiss
for narrator, turntables, ensemble and choir

Nacht und Gut‘
for chamber orchestra Pairs 1, 2 and 3 -
#2: Johannes and Clara Text: J. Brahms und Clara Schumann
for trombone (recitation), turnbalbes and ensemble

Ahnung und Gegenwart (with intermission) Text: E.T.A. Hoffmann
for trombone (recitation) and chamber orchestra

Pairs 1, 2 and3 - #3 Robert and Johannes Text: Robert Schumann
for trombone (recitation), turntables and ensemble

Cause and Effect (more reaction)Text: Heiner Müller
for alto trombone (recitation) and chamber orchestra

Robert Schumann's Adagio and Allegro
arranged and enriched for alto trombone and orchestra by Mike Svoboda

Vorstellung, Fantasie und Form (continued)Text: Karoline von Günderode
for trombone (recitation) and chamber orchestra

Instrumentation

orchestra of 18 players

  • woodwind quintet (flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet in Bb, bassoon, horn in F)
  • 2 percussion with turntables
  • fender rhodes piano (77 keys)
  • 2 string quartets (2 violins, viola, violoncello each)
  • 2 double basses

solo trombone (also recitation)

poets and lovers 2nd mouv. (excerpt) of the premiere performance

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