When he was 20 years old, Johannes Brahms met the love of his life: a 37-year-old pianist named Clara Schumann, who was married to the composer Robert Schumann and who was the mother of six children and pregnant with a seventh. Not too promising for the younger man. Still, Brahms and the Schumanns immediately bonded to become a musical triptych, with Clara serving as muse to both composers. When Schumann died in an asylum some time later, his mind destroyed by syphilis, Brahms rushed to Clara’s side and stayed for the next two-and-a-half years.
Devised by the Boston-based Rêve d’Amour Ensemble, the program “Musical Love Letters: Clara, Robert and Johannes” explores the romance and friendship shared by the three musicians as expressed in their musical composition and letters. The ensemble includes cellist Rebecca Hartka, pianist Barbara Lysakowki, and soprano Jessica Rossi.
Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Arts Block, 289 Main St. in Greenfield. $20 adults; $15 seniors and students; children under 12 free. theartsblock.com