Schumann, R.: Kreisleriana / Waldszenen / Blumenstuck
2/7/1993, 18 Tracks, 1:02:36
Featuring
Paul Gulda
Robert Schumann
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Composer Biography
Robert Schumann, the composer, initially seemed like a dilettante and was unable to pursue a career as a concert pianist due to a lack of consistent technical work and finger weakness.
Composition History
The original title for Schumann's Blumenstück, Op. 19, was Guirlande, and it is described as a 'garland of musical flowers'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
In his work Kreisleriana, Schumann pays tribute to writer and composer E. T. A. Hoffmann and his character Kapellmeister Johannes Kreisler, who expressed ideas about the conflict between artist and Philistine society.
Composer Biography
Schumann's marriage to pianist Clara Wieck, his former teacher's daughter, occurred in 1840 only after prolonged litigation with his future father-in-law.
Performer Biography
The Austrian pianist Paul Gulda began his concert career in a piano duo with Roland Batik and performed unusual recitals that included improvisation.
Historical Context
The composition of Waldszenen (Forest Scenes) in 1848-49 occurred during a period of political unrest in Dresden, forcing Schumann to temporarily leave the city and Wagner to flee to Switzerland.
