Schumann's Papillons, Op. 2, was inspired by the final scene of Jean Paul's novel Flegeljahre, a favorite of the composer.
Composition History
Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6, was composed immediately after Schumann's secret engagement to Clara Wieck in 1837, and he considered it dedicated to her more than any other work.
Compositional Technique
The three works on this album are collections of short pieces strung together, a form that Schumann himself invented and perfected.
Performer Biography
Boris Giltburg, the pianist on this recording, won first prize at the Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2013 and has performed globally since his early career.
Compositional Technique
In Carnaval, Schumann represents his artistic ego through two fictitious characters, Eusebius (dreamy) and Florestan (fiery), who also appeared in a musical journal he founded.
Composition History
Carnaval, Op. 9, is based on musical motifs derived from the letters of Asch, the hometown of Schumann's fiancée Ernestine von Fricken.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schumann viewed his works as explorations of the soul and heart, aiming to distill emotions with strength and conviction.
You might also enjoy...
Schumann: Davidsbündlertänze, Nachtstücke & Gesänge der Frühe
The Koroliov Series, Vol. 9: R. Schumann – Piano Works
