Johannes Brahms, inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann's character Kapellmeister Johannes Kreisler, signed some variations in his Op. 9 with 'B' for Brahms and others with 'Kr' for Kreisler.
Composition History
Johannes Brahms's Variations on a theme of Robert Schumann, Op. 9, includes musical homages to Clara and Robert Schumann, and their love, by quoting themes from both composers.
Compositional Technique
Robert Schumann's Impromptus on a Romance of Clara Wieck for piano, Op. 5, is notable for its 'new form' of variation, interweaving two themes: the melody and the bass line of Clara's Romance.
Recording & Production
This recording uses a Blüthner grand piano from 1856, in its original condition, to replicate the sound spectrum that Clara, Robert, and Johannes would have heard.
Performer Biography
Pianist Ragna Schirmer has a special interest in Clara and Robert Schumann, having previously created a project about their relationship and published Schumann's works with Clara's fingerings.
Composer Biography
Clara Schumann's Variations for the pianoforte on a theme of Robert Schumann, Op. 20, was a 'weak renewed attempt' at composing after a five-year hiatus, dedicated to her husband for his 43rd birthday.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Robert Schumann, inspired by alphabetic symbolism, interpreted the C-F-G-C cadence in his Impromptus as a message meaning 'Clara and me, myself and Clara'.
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