Clara Schumann composed her Caprices en Forme de Valses in 1831, at the age of twelve. Though written by a child prodigy, these nine miniatures are far more than juvenilia. Each caprice, cast in triple meter, reimagines the waltz form with wit, charm, and surprising emotional depth. Instead of a traditional dance suite, the cycle unfolds like a sequence of character pieces—some light and frolicsome, others lyrical or mysterious. Their elegance and inventiveness already hint at Clara’s mature style: flowing melodies, delicate chromatic inflections, and an intuitive sense of pianistic colour.
Dedicated to a family friend and published in French, the set reflects the cosmopolitan flair of Clara’s early career as a touring virtuoso. Behind the playful surface lies a striking musical voice, shaped by rigorous training and vivid imagination. These caprices are ideal both as short recital encores and as a cohesive cycle that rewards closer listening.
Quick Overview
- Composer: Clara Schumann (1819–1896)
- Edition: Urtext (FE008)
- Pages: 21 (17 + IV) pages.
- Difficulty: Level 6–7 / 10
- Editor: Martijn Vromans
- Paper: A4, 120 gsm cream (Clairefontaine)
- Binding: Black steel wire binding
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.