Title : Schumann: Kinderszenen Op15
Author : Schumann, Robert
Release Date : 19901025
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $11.98
Amazon.com Price : $11.17
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Buyer Reviews : This album has Vladimir Horowitz performing two piano pieces written by the young Robert Schumann during the period when he was courting Clara Weick, the concert pianist who would become his wife. 'Kinderszenen' ('Scenes of Childhood') for Piano, Op. 15 (1838) consists of thirteen piano pieces of which No. 7, 'Traumerei' ('Dreaming') is clearly the most popular. These pieces are among the most charming and accessible of all of Schumann's work (and they are about children, rather than for children, unlike his 'Album für die Jugend' ['Album for the Young']). 'Kreisleriana' for Piano, Op. 16 (1838) consists of eight untitled piano fantasies, which were inspired by the character of Johannes Kreisler in a story by E. T. A. Hoffmann, the influential early Romantic writer. Unlike the 'Kinderszenen,' which are rather peaceful and happy melodies, 'Kreisleriana' is much darker and arguably the composer's most atypical work. Certainly an interesting mix to put together on one album, but they were composed sequentially. Note: Schumann dedicated 'Kreisleriana' to Chopin, who dismissed Schumann's work as being too bizarre and disorganized. Not to be outdone, Chopin dedicated his Ballade in F Major to Schumann. Sometimes you just have to separate these Romantic composers.