NSO Chamber Concerts - As Tender As a Song: The Romantic German Cello

At the heart of this concert lies the spirit of German Romanticism, embodied in the deep artistic and emotional ties between three towering figures: Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. More than mere contemporaries, their music reflects a lifelong dialogue of friendship, inspiration, and shared ideals — together shaping the pinnacle of 19th-century German chamber music.

Echoing this historical bond, the three cellists onstage are not only longtime collaborators but also close friends united by mutual understanding and artistic kinship. Through a tapestry of cello and piano duos and trios, they pay homage to a golden era of musical camaraderie, rich with humanity and creative spark.

From the introspective lyricism of the Schumanns to the bold depth of Brahms — and onward to the vivid textures of Klengel and Popper — this program unfolds as a triple conversation across time. It is at once a tribute to the friendships between composers and a celebration of the musical resonance shared by performers on stage today.