Once Upon a Time…
Like many other composers of the Romantic era, Robert Schumann found inspiration in the power of fantasy. This program includes his depictions of classic fairy tales in Märchenbilder, the Fantasy Pieces Op. 73, and Märchenerzählungen, as well as a contemporary take on the subject by Jörg Widmann, included in this album as a world premiere recording. The clarinetist and composer is joined by Tabea Zimmermann and Dénes Várjon.
Tabea Zimmermann, Jörg Widmann and Dénes Várjon have known each other for a long time. Since their debut as a trio ensemble in May 2011 at Vienna‘s Konzerthaus, they enjoy playing together on a regular basis. Being highly sought-after soloists who play with the world‘s most reknowned orchestras and conductors, all three share a passion for chamber music, whether as a permanent trio or with other musical partners.
Ms. Zimmermann was born on 8 October 1966 in Lahr, (Germany).
She began learning to play the viola at the age of three, and commenced piano studies at age five. At the age of 13, she studied viola with Ulrich Koch at the Conservatory of Freiburg and progressed to study with Sándor Végh at the Mozarteum [1] University of Salzburg. She soon gained notice in international competitions, winning first prizes in Genève (1982), Budapest (1984), and the Maurice Vieux International Viola Competition in Paris (1983) for which she was awarded a superb instrument made by contemporary luthier Étienne Vatelot (1980) which she has played in her worldwide concert tours ever since.
Here is Tabea Zimmermann in music by Robert Schumann. Notice how she dances with her viola to the music that she clearly loves!