Dutch violinist Niek Baar and American pianist Ben Kim reunite Robert and Clara Schumann on ‘Solitude’ through intensive partnership.

On this recording, Robert Schumann’s Violin Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3 are paired with Clara Schumann’s 3 Romances, Op. 22. Listening to her romances, you may notice that Clara quotes Robert’s Violin Sonata No. 1. This romantic gesture underlines the artistic bond between Robert and Clara Schumann.

Dutch violinist Niek Baar and American pianist Ben Kim state: “Robert Schumann brought us together as duo partners and as friends. His writing, obsessively swinging between fiery turmoil and tender longing, gave us a common language to communicate with one another”.

In a world where the importance of social connectedness is ever-emphasized, it may be hard to imagine how loneliness could also be valued, not only to exist but to flourish, alongside partnership. Robert himself called solitude one’s most trusted friend. However, Robert surely would not have been Robert without Clara, and vice versa. They often sent each other secret musical messages in their own compositions.

As Niek & Ben continue: “The fact that Clara quotes Robert’s first violin sonata in her romances is so personal and touching, that choosing to include her romances instead of Robert’s first violin sonata is a tribute not only to their partnership but also to ours.”