Robert Schumann, the composer, initially seemed like a dilettante in music and his contemplated career as a concert pianist was made impossible by a hand injury.
Composition History
Schumann's Four Marches, Op. 76, were written in June 1849 during a period of revolutionary disturbance in Dresden, reflecting his sympathy with the insurgents.
Composer Biography
Schumann's marriage to pianist Clara Wieck, his former teacher's daughter, occurred in 1840 after prolonged litigation with his future father-in-law.
Historical Context
The year 1849 brought revolutionary disturbances to Dresden, where Schumann lived, forcing him and his family to take refuge outside the city to avoid conscription.
Composition History
Schumann's Album für die Jugend (Album for the Young) was partly intended as a birthday present for his eldest child, Marie, born in 1841.
Compositional Technique
The Album für die Jugend includes a piece called 'Rebus' which contains a cryptogram to be read by giving the notes their German letter sound, spelling out 'Leave the boring, do the genuine'.
Performer Biography
Juan Carlos Rodríguez, the pianist on this recording, studied with Pilar Bilbao, a pupil of the renowned Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau, and has won many national and international piano competitions.
You might also enjoy...
Small Treasures
R. Schumann: Albumblätter, 6 Paganini-Étuden & 5 Gesänge der Frühe
Schumann: Piano Music
R. Schumann: Complete Works for Piano
Joseph Fennimorein Concert II
Robert Schumann: Davidsbundlertanze / Fantasie, Op. 17 / Kreisleriana / Humoreske, Op. 20 / Carnaval / Faschingsschwank aus Wien (Schmidt)
