Published when she was just fourteen, Clara Schumann’s Romance Variée marks a turning point in her development as a composer. Written on her own theme—a lyrical miniature of remarkable charm—the work unfolds through a series of variations that balance brilliance with emotional nuance. The initial theme, marked Romance, leads directly into a cadenza, followed by variations that explore a wide range of pianistic textures and characters: lively figuration, solemn lyricism, rhythmic wit, and grand virtuosity.
Beyond its musical merits, the piece holds biographical significance. Clara dedicated it to Robert Schumann, who was so taken with the theme that he reworked it in his own Impromptus, Op. 5. Later, Clara echoed the same melody in her Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann, Op. 20—a testament to the musical dialogue that shaped their partnership. In measure 125, Clara Schumann introduces a descending motif of five notes: G, F, E, D, C. Robert Schumann called this the Clara motif and used it in numerous compositions, including in every movement of his Piano Sonata in F, Opus 14, which even opens with the motif.
An Urtext edition presents the music as faithfully as possible to the composer’s intentions. It is based on all available primary sources—first editions, autograph manuscripts, and reliable contemporary copies—and reproduces the musical text without arbitrary additions or editorial rewriting. At Felix Editions, editorial intervention is limited to the correction of obvious errors and is documented in the critical notes, ensuring historical accuracy together with practical clarity for performers.
For lesser-known composers, surviving sources are often exceptionally rare—sometimes only a single print or manuscript. Preparing an Urtext under such conditions requires careful reconstruction and cross-verification of fragmentary evidence. Our editions therefore combine scholarly rigour with curatorial work, making otherwise inaccessible music available in its most authentic form.
Each publication is produced to high standards of clarity, durability, and aesthetic refinement. Scores are printed on archival-grade, acid-free paper, chosen for its pleasant texture, natural colour, and stability over time.
Depending on page count, albums appear in two formats:
– Saddle-stitched for shorter works;
– Black wire binding for larger volumes, allowing pages to turn easily and remain open on the stand.
Every title is beautifully typeset to enhance both appearance and usability. Proportion and spacing are carefully balanced for legibility; page turns are planned so that, wherever possible, they avoid technically demanding passages. The result is a publication that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to play or read.
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