Robert Schumann’s Nachtstücke, published as his opus 23, were born out of a weird, yet personal, experience for the composer. Prone to hallucinations, particularly as his mental condition declined in his final years, Schumann witnessed unsettling premonitions during March of 1839. When he described these visions to Clara, he talked of “funeral processions, coffins, and unhappy, distraught figures.” Disturbing enough on their own account, the premonitions took on an even stranger element when shortly thereafter Schumann received news that his brother Eduard was dying. Yet, Schumann’s seemingly supernatural experience did not end there. He later recounted to Clara of hearing, in the middle of the night, a chorale played by trombones, which he would eventually discover was at the exact time Eduard passed away. Schumann then turned these odd circumstances into the inspiration for the four pieces of opus 23. Their title, Nachtstücke (“Night Visions”), was borrowed from E. T. A. Hoffman, an author Schumann on several occasions turned to, in some form or fashion, for inspiration.
The first piece of the set is a darkly-colored funeral march. Despite its professed key of C major, it begins more in D minor. Staccato phrases are alternated with legato ones as the piece progresses through a dimly lit netherworld.Beginning in F major, the second piece is an example of Schumann’s alter egos, Florestan and Eusebius, as a vigorous and extroverted opening section is alternated with a more intimate and lyrical one in the key of A-flat major. The third piece is a waltz in D-flat major imbued with a devilish energy. Two trios sections are present, the first somber with a long chant-like melody amidst sweeping arpeggios, while the second turns to an impish subject in the key of the subdominant minor. Lastly, the final piece, also in F major, is a gentle song without words. It ends solemnly with a somewhat ominous bass motif before a Romanticized version of an oft-heard plagal cadence formula.Joseph DuBose
Classical Music | Piano Music
Robert Schumann
Nachtstuke op. 23 n.3 e 4 Play
Recorded on 10/12/2010, uploaded on 04/05/2012
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
Robert Schumann’s Nachtstücke, published as his opus 23, were born out of a weird, yet personal, experience for the composer. Prone to hallucinations, particularly as his mental condition declined in his final years, Schumann witnessed unsettling premonitions during March of 1839. When he described these visions to Clara, he talked of “funeral processions, coffins, and unhappy, distraught figures.” Disturbing enough on their own account, the premonitions took on an even stranger element when shortly thereafter Schumann received news that his brother Eduard was dying. Yet, Schumann’s seemingly supernatural experience did not end there. He later recounted to Clara of hearing, in the middle of the night, a chorale played by trombones, which he would eventually discover was at the exact time Eduard passed away. Schumann then turned these odd circumstances into the inspiration for the four pieces of opus 23. Their title, Nachtstücke (“Night Visions”), was borrowed from E. T. A. Hoffman, an author Schumann on several occasions turned to, in some form or fashion, for inspiration.
The first piece of the set is a darkly-colored funeral march. Despite its professed key of C major, it begins more in D minor. Staccato phrases are alternated with legato ones as the piece progresses through a dimly lit netherworld. Beginning in F major, the second piece is an example of Schumann’s alter egos, Florestan and Eusebius, as a vigorous and extroverted opening section is alternated with a more intimate and lyrical one in the key of A-flat major. The third piece is a waltz in D-flat major imbued with a devilish energy. Two trios sections are present, the first somber with a long chant-like melody amidst sweeping arpeggios, while the second turns to an impish subject in the key of the subdominant minor. Lastly, the final piece, also in F major, is a gentle song without words. It ends solemnly with a somewhat ominous bass motif before a Romanticized version of an oft-heard plagal cadence formula. Joseph DuBose
Live in Firenze
More music by Robert Schumann
Maerchenbilder for viola and piano - I mov, op.113
Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt, from Lieder und Gesänge aus Wilhelm Meister
Intermezzo Op 26 / 4
Carnaval, Op. 9
Adagio and Allegro, Op. 70
Wehmuth, from Liederkreis, Op. 39
Novellette no. 6 in A Major: Sehr lebhaft mit vielem Humor, from Novelletten, Op. 21
Presto Passionato in g minor, Op. 22a
Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26 (Carnival of Vienna)
Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in A minor, Op. 105
Performances by same musician(s)
Piano Sonata D. 958, Finale: Allegro
Hommage à Edith Piaf
Impromptu Op.90 No.4 D. 899
Piano Sonata op. 13 - Adagio
Ballade No.3 in A flat major Op.47
Preludio op.45
Piano sonata in c minor, D. 958
Piano sonata D. 958 - 1.Allegro
Novelletta n. 3
Intermezzo op. 117 n. 2
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