Clara Schumann >>> César Franck?

[Alan Howe]

Please check out the opening of the 4th movement (Allegretto) of Clara Schumann's Piano Trio:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9371327--brahms-double-concerto-clara-schumann-piano-trio

Is it Franck's Violin Sonata that this reminds me of - or is it something else? Or is it just me?

[Double-A]

Now that you mention it:  I hear the Franck too.  I wonder if they play the trio somewhat slower than usual, thereby making the similarity more obvious.  The similarity seems mostly in the construction: units of 2 measures following each other with the music "taking a breath" in between them every time.  Emotionally the two themes are quite different, the Franck joyful and confident, even more so because of the canon, the Schumann wistful or resigned.

I would guess that  Franck did not work "under Clara's influence" and that the similarity is a coincidence.

[Alan Howe]

Phew! Thank you. Glad it's not just me...