The title 'Novelletten' for Schumann's Op. 21 was partly inspired by the English singer Clara Novello and also by Clara, the heroine of Goethe's drama Egmont, as well as his own fiancée, Clara Wieck.
Composition History
Schumann originally titled the first of his Nachtstücke 'Leichenphantasie' (corpse-fantasy) due to the morbid visions he experienced while composing.
Composition History
Schumann initially considered naming the Novelletten 'Wiecketten' after his fiancée Clara Wieck, but found it didn't sound good.
Composition History
The Novelletten were dedicated to pianist Adolph Henselt, not to either Clara who inspired the title, to avoid 'friction on the home front'.
Performer Biography
Pianist Danny Driver gained early recognition by winning both the Royal Over-Seas League Competition Keyboard Award and the BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year Competition in 2001.
Composition History
Schumann's Nachtstücke were inspired by a premonition he had of funeral processions and despairing people, which was later clarified by a letter about his brother Eduard's serious illness.
Composer Biography
Robert Schumann, the composer, moved to Vienna in 1838 hoping to find a publisher for his journal, Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, and to establish a home with his fiancée, Clara Wieck.
