Reading Between the Lines: An Interpretive Study of Clara Schumann's Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22, Andante molto

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to offer an interpretive study of Clara Schumann’s Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22, Andante molto, through the lens of feminist musicology. By examining this work, which has received little analytical attention, this study seeks to illuminate new ways of understanding and interpreting Clara Schumann’s compositional voice. The exclusion of women from the Western music canon has led to a lack of studies of women’s works. In recent years, while analytical research on Clara Schumann's works has increased, most studies have focused on her lieder and piano pieces. Among her chamber music, most studies concentrate on the Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17, while the Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22 has received comparatively little attention. This project aims to address this gap by offering both historical and musical analysis of the piece, thereby providing future musicians with an alternative framework for interpreting Clara Schumann’s music.