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ROMANTICS: Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. The musical and personal lives of Romantic composers Robert and Clara Schumann and their contemporary Johannes Brahms were inextricably intertwined. At their very first meeting, Robert invited the relatively unknown twenty-year-old Brahms to his piano and was so taken that he ran to get his wife, Clara, to hear what he described as “genius.” That night Clara took to her diary, writing, “Here is one who comes as if sent from God.” Thereafter, Robert served as Brahms’ mentor, dear friend, and unabashed supporter, even calling him “the next Beethoven.” Following Robert Schumann’s tragic suicide attempt and committal to an asylum several months later, Brahms vowed to stay with Clara until Robert’s recovery. In the intervening two and a half years until Robert’s death at age 46, Brahms realized he had found his “one great love” in Clara. The two never married, Brahms instead choosing to live by the motto “Frei Aber Einsam” [Lonely but Free]. Their unconsummated relationship continued for 40 years until Clara’s death in 1896. Stricken with grief, Brahms was physically unable to attend her funeral procession. After her burial, Brahms took ill and followed Clara to the grave less than 11 months later. The three composers’ mutual love and influence lives on in their music. The concert is free, no tickets are required. Free parking is available.