This album spans Robert Schumann's entire compositional career, from his first published work, the Abegg Variations, to his very last, the Ghost Variations.
Compositional Technique
Schumann used the initials 'F.' and 'E.' in his Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6, to indicate whether the merry 'Florestan' or the melancholic 'Eusebius' (both personifying aspects of Schumann himself) was featured in a particular section.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in February 2010 at Reitstadel, Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Germany, with Markus Heiland as the recording producer, digital editor, and mastering engineer.
Composer Biography
Robert Schumann, the composer, grew up in a literary environment as the son of a bookseller, author, and publisher, which influenced his artistic development.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schumann founded the 'Neue Zeitschrift für Musik' (New Journal for Music) to advocate for new, challenging music and preserve the legacy of composers like Bach and Beethoven.
Composer Biography
Schumann's dream of a piano career ended due to an inborn weakness in his right hand, which was worsened by a mechanical device he used to strengthen it.
Composition History
The 'Ghost Variations' are Robert Schumann's very last completed work, written just days before his suicide attempt in 1854.
