Every Picture Tells a Story

I was privileged to attend a wonderful musical story-telling concert in Cley Church this afternoon.

This one hour concert told the story of the love story between Robert & Clara Schumann. Robert was 9 years older than Clara, who had loved Robert since she was around 15 years old. They wanted to marry when she was 18 but her father went to extraordinary lengths to prevent this as he wanted her to pursue her career as a gifted pianist and composer. He sent her abroad and Robert was forbidden to see her. Eventually, after defeating a legal case brought by her father which besmirched Robert’s character they married just before her 21st birthday. Their marriage was very happy and they had 7 children, but it didn’t last as, sadly, Robert became mentally ill in his mid 40s and ended up in a mental asylum.

This story was told by 5 narrators interspersed with music performed on a piano and flute. All the pieces were composed by Robert or Clara.

The excellent script (written by a friend of ours), revealed this story of true love and determination. During their relationship the couple exchanged 20,000 letters, often writing to each other several times a day.

We are fortunate indeed to be able to enjoy free concerts (donations are requested) of the highest quality once a month at Cley Church. We even get tea and delicious locally made cake afterwards.

The photo is one of the decorations in the church, made from folded pages of novels.