Bay Area Nights · Episode 3: Schumann & Brahms — A Tale of Three Hearts

In the long river of music history, there exists a restrained yet profound trio of souls—their story still whispered in reverence through the ages.

He was Robert Schumann, the quintessential Romantic composer;
She was Clara Schumann, one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century;
And the other "he"—Johannes Brahms, who would rise to become a titan of German music.

Their intertwined fates and complex emotions wove a "love story for the ages", leaving behind melodies that echo eternally.

For the third installment of Bay Area Sounds at Night, our "Melody Archivist" Jin Jing will transport you to Düsseldorf, 1853.
On that summer morning, a young Brahms first knocked on the Schumanns' door—unwittingly stepping into a musical and emotional odyssey that would bind three souls forever. Schumann’s mentorship, Clara’s admiration, and Brahms’ lifelong, unspoken yet undying devotion flow silently through their music, becoming a poignant legend that has moved generations.

In this program, the Cong Quartet and pianist Gao Qianhe will join forces to perform selected chamber works by Schumann and Brahms.
Through these melodies, you’ll hear the suppressed yet fervent heartbeats, the love that was never spoken but never faded—a testament to emotions that outlast time itself.

Featured Artists:

Cong Quartet
Acclaimed across Europe, America, and Asia; winners of the Adolfo Betti Prize at Italy’s Virtuoso & Belcanto Chamber Music Competition.

Piano: Gao Qianhe
Doctor of Piano Performance (Central Conservatory of Music), faculty member at the Affiliated School of Xinghai Conservatory, and First Prize winner of the 2018 Shenzhen International Piano Competition (Professional Open Category).