Imaginative, bold, and full of character, Clara Schumann’s 4 Pièces Caractéristiques (1835) stand among her most original early works. Each movement bears a fanciful French title and evokes a distinct mood: from the eerie drama of Le Sabbat to the fiery brilliance of the Hexentanz. Along the way, we encounter a Caprice à la Boléro laced with Spanish flair and a tender Romance that reveals Clara’s lyrical gift.
Performed for Chopin in 1836 and admired by him, the set displays both technical brilliance and emotional range. Clara uses pointed rhythms, exotic colours, and unexpected modulations to create a theatrical experience that rivals the fantasy-pieces of her male contemporaries. These four pieces form a dramatic arc of contrast and cohesion—ideal for pianists seeking to explore Clara’s daring and expressive voice.
Quick Overview
- Composer: Clara Schumann (1819–1896)
- Edition: Urtext (FE011)
- Pages: 27 (20 + VII) pages.
- Difficulty: Level 8 – 9 / 10
- Editor: Martijn Vromans
- Paper: A4, 120 gsm cream (Clairefontaine)
- Binding: Black steel wire binding
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