Schumann, R.: Davidsbundlertanze, Op. 6 / 8 Fantasiestücke, Op. 12

Featuring

Benjamin Frith
Robert Schumann

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Compositional Technique

In the Davidsbündlertänze, Schumann used the literary pseudonyms Florestan and Eusebius to personify the passionate and reflective sides of his character, indicating the mood at the end of each piece.

Composer Biography

Schumann's ambitions as a pianist were hindered by a finger weakness, possibly due to mercury treatment for syphilis.

Composition History

The Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6, and Fantasiestücke, Op. 12, were both composed in 1837 during a period of estrangement and later reconciliation between Schumann and Clara Wieck.

Composer Biography

Robert Schumann, the composer, was the son of a bookseller, publisher, and writer, and showed an early interest in literature.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Schumann's 'League of David' (Davidsbund) was a fictional society he created to unite 'right-thinking musicians' against 'Philistines'.

Performer Biography

Benjamin Frith, the pianist on this recording, won the British National Concerto Competition at age fourteen and later a Gold Medal in the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Master Competition.