Robert Schumann compiled the Bunte Blätter (Leaves of Many Colors) and Albumblätter collections from previously unpublished piano pieces he had composed over the past twenty years.
Recording & Production
This album includes several world premiere recordings of works by Johannes Brahms, Theodor Kirchner, and Woldemar Bargiel.
Critical Reception
The publisher of Schumann's Opus 99, Friedrich Wilhelm Arnold, was initially appalled by Schumann's proposed title 'Chaff' due to its potential negative impact on sales.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schumann frequently reused and adapted his archived musical ideas, incorporating them into new works, demonstrating a complex compositional process.
Instruments
The recording features a Johann Nepomuk Tröndlin pianoforte from around 1830, an instrument known for its transparent Viennese sound ideal and soft, rounded timbre.
Performer Biography
Tobias Koch, the pianist on this album, is considered a leading Schumann interpreter in Romantic performance practice and plays a variety of historical keyboard instruments.
You might also enjoy...
Crane, L.: 20th Century Music (Solo Piano Pieces, 1985-1999)
