When writing his widely praised second symphony, Schumann faced an enormous problem: how does a composer outshine the brilliance of Beethoven or the graceful genius of Mozart? While suffering from a debilitating illness, Schumann channeled his suffering and resolved to finish this work, creating an ominous portrait of the struggle he faced over his physical ailments and the question of efficacy that lingered in his thoughts.
Listen to a recording of this work by The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields on Thursday's Of Note with Katy Henriksen.
