The Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22 of Clara Schumann, were written in 1853 and first published in 1855.
Three Romances for Violin and Piano | |
---|---|
by Clara Schumann | |
Opus | 22 |
Composed | 1853 |
Dedication | Joseph Joachim |
Published |
|
Movements | 3 |
Background
editHaving moved to Düsseldorf in 1853, Clara Schumann, who said that "Women are not born to compose," produced several works, including these three romances.[1] Dedicated to the legendary violinist Joseph Joachim, Schumann and Joachim went on tour with them, even playing them before King George V of Hanover, who was "completely ecstatic" upon hearing them.[2] A critic for the Neue Berliner Musikzeitung praised them, declaring: "All three pieces display an individual character conceived in a truly sincere manner and written in a delicate and fragrant hand."[2] Stephen Pettitt for The Times, wrote, "Lush and poignant, they make one regret that Clara's career as a composer became subordinate to her husband's."[3]
Structure
editThe romances, scored for violin and piano, are written in three movements:
- Andante molto
- Allegretto
- Leidenschaftlich schnell
The first romance begins with hints of gypsy pathos, before a brief central theme with energetic arpeggios ensues.[4] This is followed by a final section similar to the first, in which Clara Schumann charmingly refers to the main theme from her husband Robert Schumann's first violin sonata.[5] The second romance is more wistful, with many embellishments. It is sometimes considered as representative of all three, beginning with a plaintive appetizer to its energetic, extroverted leaps and arpeggios, followed by a more developed section with the first theme present.[6] The last movement, while very similar to the first but approximately the same length in time as the first two, features long-limbed melodies with rippling, bubbling piano accompaniment.[7]
An average performance is about ten minutes in duration.
References
edit- ^ "Schumann, Clara: Three Romances for Violin, Op. 22". Tim Summers, violinist. 19 May 2008. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
- ^ a b Rodda, Dr. Richard E. "Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Sunday, April 27, 2014" (PDF). Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
- ^ Pettitt, Stephen (27 January 2013). "Record Review". The Times.
- ^ "Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22". LAPhil. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
- ^ Phillips, Anthony. "Robert and Clara Schumann: Music for Cello and Piano". Naxos. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
- ^ Lowe, Steven. "Seattle Chamber Music Society: Summer Festival, Friday July 12 2013" (PDF). Seattle Chamber Music Society. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
- ^ Palmer, John. "Romances (3) for violin & piano, Op. 22". AllMusic. Retrieved 19 February 2016.