Schumann's Carnaval, Op. 9, is astonishingly based on just a few notes derived from the hometown ('Asch') of Ernestine von Fricken, his fiancée at the time.
Composer Biography
Schumann's early piano music often incorporated personal life circumstances, such as his relationships with Agnes Carus and Clara Wieck, into his compositions.
Composer Biography
Schumann's final creative year, 1853, saw the composition of the Gesänge der Frühe, Op. 133, and the Sieben Clavierstücke in Fughettenform, Op. 126.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Robert Schumann aimed to usher in a "new poetic age" for music, believing the contemporary musical scene was stagnant.
Performer Biography
Cédric Pescia, the pianist on this album, won First Prize (Gold Medalist) at the Gina Bachauer International Artists Piano Competition in 2002.
Compositional Technique
Schumann's Impromptus, Op. 5, are officially based on a theme from Clara Wieck's Romance variée, Op. 3, but also incorporate a bass line by Schumann himself.
Recording & Production
This recording features a Steinway & Sons New York piano, model D-101820, manufactured in 1901.
