A Poet’s Love begins with Schumann’s charming Märchenerzählungen (fairy tales) in four movements for the unusual blend of clarinet, viola and piano which immerses the audience in Schumann’s lyrical and romantic language.

In a work which reflects Schumann’s oppositional identities – Eusebius (dreamy and poetic) and the bold, searching and volatile Florestan – Benjamin Roskams’ viola is warmly pliant and rewarding. Paul Dean speaks volumes through the clarinet in leading the emotional charge.

Daniel de Borah delivers tantalising glimpses of the piano’s might but, in general, the balance could more often favour his glorious shading. 

Ensemble Q: A Poet’s Love. Photo © Gavin Rebtzke

Chausson’s Poeme, prompted by one of Ivan Turgenev’s short stories and arranged by the composer for solo violin, string quartet and piano, is stylishly captured in this performance. The ensemble scales the work’s spirituality and tragedy, adding nuance to the harmonic shifts and shimmering sonic spheres. Violinist Adam Chalabi solos with improvisatory flair and a lovely tone. 

Composer Jorg Widmann’s stimulus for his exhilarating and adventurous Schumannliebe, given its Australian premiere in this concert, is...