Schumann, Clara (née Wieck) (1819 – 1896)
4 Pièces Caractéristiques
SKU:FE011
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Description
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)
- Contents: 23 pages total (3 pages introduction and source commentary, 20 pages music)
- Difficulty: Level 8 / 10
- Editor: Martijn Vromans
- Paper: A4, 120 gsm cream (Clairefontaine)
- Binding: Black steel wire binding
- Pages: 20 + III pages.
About the Composer
About the Composer
Clara Schumann (1819–1896) was a pioneering German pianist and composer who left a profound mark on 19th-century musical life. Her works combine remarkable virtuosity with deep emotional insight. She explored the full sonic potential of the piano and introduced innovative approaches to pianistic technique. Many of her pieces carry an undertone of melancholy, subtly woven into a style of refined expressiveness.
Contents
Contents
- Introduction
- 4 Pièces Caractéristiques, Op. 5
- Critical Commentary
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