Schumann, Clara (née Wieck) (1819-1896)
Soirées Musicales
SKU:FD012-EN
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Description
Given its serious nature, this composition anticipates the later works of Clara Schumann. Its ambiance diverges completely from the buoyant Valses Romantiques or the mildly diabolical 4 Pièces Caractéristiques: this is a deeply serious piece.
This piece is constructed in a cyclical manner and opens and closes with virtuoso sections: the lightning-fast Toccatina (part 1) captures the audience’s attention immediately, whereas the dramatic Polonaise (part 6) concludes the cycle with dignity. The centerpiece of the cycle is the gloomy, striking Ballade (part 4). The third and fifth parts are Mazurkas, the former melancholic, the latter lively. The Nocturne (part 2) is notable for its evocative, introspective nature, with rich polyphonic motifs and an asymmetrical, “eternal” melody. An extraordinary piece that should be a pinnacle within the repertoire.
Product Details
Product Details
Composer: Clara Schumann née Wieck
Title of the Publication: Soirées musicales
Opus: 6
Composition Year: 1836
Edition Type: Urtext
Edition Number: FD012
Editor: Martijn Vromans
Languages of the Text: English, German, French, and Spanish
Pages/Format: Total 34 pages (1 full colour portrait, 3 pages introduction, 2 pages critical commentary, 26 pages music)
Difficulty Level: 8/10
About the Music
About the Music
Cyclical structure: This work forms a complete cycle featuring an engaging narrative structure, making it an excellent choice for the opening of a recital.
Emotional Variety: Clara Schumann presents an extensive array of nuanced emotions, rendered in pastel shades. The young composer achieves this through careful use of harmonic digressions and clever use of polyphony.
About the Composer
About the Composer
Even in the 19th century, a period brimming with some of the greatest pianists to ever grace the stage, Clara Schumann stands uniquely tall as perhaps the foremost among them. Often merely cast as the muse of her husband, Robert Schumann, she delivered unparalleled achievements, not just as a trailblazing pianist but also as a composer. From the moment she published her Opus 2 at the very early age of 12, she began to leave behind a compositional legacy. These works, while early, are by no means immature: they are the creations of a fully-fledged composer, marked by a remarkable emotional richness and playful virtuosity.
Contents
Contents
- Portrait
- Introduction (English, German, French or Spanish)
- Soirées Musicales, Op. 6
- Critical Commentary (English, German, French or Spanish)
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