Phantasiestücke, Op. 88 (1842), for piano, violin and cello in four movements[1]
The title was inspired by the collection of letters and writings about music published in 1814–1815, Fantasiestücke in Callots Manier by E. T. A. Hoffmann, one of Schumann's favourite authors. The composer greatly appreciated the 17th-century engraver's sense of fantasy.[2]
Three Fantasiestücke, Op. 111 (8 pages PDF)
Composition
Schumann composed the Op. 111 in 1851, a few months after his appointment as Generalmusikdirektor of the Düsseldorf Orchestra.[3] In September, Clara Schumann wrote in her diary: "Robert has composed three piano pieces of a grave and passionate character which I like very much."[4]
Inspiration
In these three pieces, Schumann recaptures the "passionate tone that was characteristic of the Fantasiestücke, Op. 12, composed fourteen years earlier in 1837.[5]
They reveal "the composer's ardour, impetuosity and inner youth, followed by a contemplative and peaceful atmosphere".[6] He is said to have written them as a tribute to Beethoven's Opus 111, the Piano Sonata No. 32, because of his predilection for this work.[6]
Details
Duration
Schumann gave precise indications concerning the tempo, but each pianist adapts it according to his temperament. As a result, the total duration of the performance of the three pieces is variable, between 10 and 12 minutes.
Short description
The two pianists James Friskin and Irwin Freundlich present the Three Fantasiestücke for piano, Op. 111 as follows:[7] "These short pieces were intended to be played in sequence; but this does not seem absolutely essential."[7]
1. Sehr rasch, mit leidenschaftlichem Vortrag [Very quickly, with passionate expression] ( Molto vivace et appassionatamente) in C minor
This has a fine passionate sweep and displays much of Schumann's old power and inspiration; it is technically fairly taxing.[7] Duration: 2–3:45 minutes
2. Ziemlich langsam (Quite slow) (Piuttosto lento), in A-flat major
Lyrically beautiful and technically simple.[7] Duration: 4:45 / 5:35 minutes
3. Kräftig und sehr markirt [Powerful and very marked] (Con forza, assai marcato), in C minor
An energetic marchlike tune, with contrasting middle section and coda featuring graceful arabesques.[7] Duration: 3:15 / 3:45 minutes
^According to Harold C. Schonberg, his conducting experience started well, but did not last, as Schumann was not very comfortable conducting an orchestra; see Harold C. Schonberg (1967). The Great Conductors. New York: Simon and Schuster. pp. 126–127. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
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