Nocturnes | rebeccabogart.com

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Exploration of nocturnes by Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, and Frederic Chopin

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More about clara and fanny

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Fanny Hensel (1805-1847) was the older sister of the famous Felix Mendelssohn. And when the German philosopher Goethe met the Mendelssohn siblings, he thought Fanny was more talented than Felix. But her family pressured her to keep her gifts under wraps to preserve their status as part of the gilded circle of Berlin’s elite.

A wonderful biography of Fanny is Larry Todd’s The Other Mendelssohn.

I also highly recommend a new documentary about Fanny also called The Other Mendelssohn. In fact, Larry Todd even appears in the film. It’s streaming on Youtube, Google Play, and Apple TV.

Clara Wieck Schumann (1819-1896), born in Leipzig, Germany, was pushed by her father to become a child prodigy pianist. By 18, she was a leading European virtuoso. In 1840, she married Robert Schumann, despite her father’s objections.

Clara balanced her career with raising eight children and managing household responsibilities. Robert’s mental health deteriorated, leading to his institutionalization and death in 1854. After Robert’s passing, Clara’s compositional output diminished, leaving only 23 published works. As a single parent, she supported her family by touring and performing throughout Europe.

Clara revolutionized piano performance by playing from memory, establishing the modern piano concert format, and championing abstract music. She advocated for both contemporary and historical composers, particularly Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Her efforts were crucial in popularizing the works of Beethoven and Bach in concert halls. Clara regularly performed pieces by Chopin and Mendelssohn, contributing significantly to shaping the classical music repertoire we know today.

To delve into Clara’s long and fascinating life, I recommend Clara Schumann: The Artist and the Woman by Nancy Reich.

Accolades for rebecca bogart

“… often delightful… BRAVO!”

David Dubal/ Program Director

WXQR, New York, author, The Art of the Piano

I have to say that I enjoyed Rebecca Bogart’s playing on this disk more than I enjoyed the barnstorming of the Van Cliburn finalists reviewed above. If you want to know the reason, I will give it to you in one word: charm! With the Van Cliburn winners, each one is sending us the message, “I am a great pianist, and I am going to impress you with my virtuoso technique.” With Ms. Bogart, you get the message, “I am a musician. I love these pieces and want to share them with you. ” …

Lynn Bronson

California Music Teacher

Rebecca Bogart’s recital is not merely a showcase of beautiful, dark, and timeless solo piano repertoire, but also a celebration of the rich heritage of women in music. Her masterful interpretations of pieces by Fanny Hensel and Clara Schumann—alongside Chopin’s enchanting Nocturnes—provide a rare opportunity to experience these composers’ profound contributions in person, as they are still so rarely performed. Crafted by pioneering women, these works resonate with unmatched depth and brilliance, and Rebecca’s exceptional artistry brings their magic to life.

Molly McCann

HenselPushers.org

On stage, Rebecca Bogart is graceful and poised, gliding up to the piano and creating music in a way which can only be described as gifted… Bogart’s range is wide and versatile. Her interpretation made the ovation she received well deserved…richly expressive playing

Stephanie Kirtland

Peninsula Times Tribune, (Palo Alto, CA)

During her performance, Bogart clearly illustrated the beauty of how music speaks to an audience. Bogart demonstrated passion for the music as well as a heartfelt enthusiasm for communicating what the composer intended to express.

Kristina Anderson

Trinity News, Deerfield Illinois

One of the most gifted and intellectually adventurous pianists of our generation…
I have heard this artist play over the years, everything from blissful Rachmaninoff Preludes to labyrinthine passages by Liszt, with a dazzling technique, and a spirit that was equal to the music. Her new CD is an exhilarating testament to the fact that some of our best artists are yet to be discovered and as widely acclaimed as they deserve. This is playing with a keen sensitivity and intelligence.

Valerie Andrews