Franz Liszt, a renowned pianist, was highly impressed by Schumann's Carnaval, calling it 'one of the greatest works I know' after Clara Wieck played it for him.
Composition History
Robert Schumann's Carnaval was inspired by a 'musical acquaintance,' Ernestine von Fricken, whose hometown Asch provided musical letters for the composition.
Recording & Production
This album is part of Florian Uhlig's project to create the first genuine complete recording of Robert Schumann's works for solo piano, planned as a 15-CD set.
Performer Biography
Florian Uhlig, the pianist on this recording, combines a German musical tradition with an individual approach developed during his time in London, leading to eccentric repertoire choices and a curiosity for musical rarities.
Composer Biography
Schumann's Davidsbündlertänze and Sonata in F sharp Minor were dedicated by his alter egos, Florestan and Eusebius, to Clara Wieck (his fiancée) and Walther von Goethe (grandson of the poet and a friend).
Compositional Technique
Schumann's Carnaval features musical portraits of figures from commedia dell'arte, two women in his life (Clara Wieck and Ernestine von Fricken), and composers who influenced him, such as Schubert, Chopin, and Paganini.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schumann's Davidsbündler (League of David) was a secret society that existed only in his mind, featuring invented artist characters like Florestan and Eusebius to express different views on art.
