Fantasiestücke, Op. 73

Three Fantasy Pieces (Drei Fantasiestücke) for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 73, were written in 1849 by the Romantic era composer Robert Schumann. Though they were originally intended for clarinet and piano, Schumann directed that the clarinet part could be also performed on violin or cello.

Origin

Schumann wrote them over just two days in February 1849, and originally entitled them "Night Pieces" before settling on the title "Fantasy Pieces". The title is one Schumann was fond of, since he used it in several works. This poetic title promotes the fundamental Romantic notion that creative expression is the product of the artist's unrestricted imagination. In addition, the connotations of "fantasy" justify the sudden mood changes, which are a signature of so much of Schumann's music, and which reflect his emotions and mood swings. The pieces are like songs without words, or an instrumental song cycle.

Description

The three individual pieces are:

• I. Zart und mit Ausdruck (Tender and with expression)
• II. Lebhaft, leicht (Lively, light)
• III. Rasch und mit Feuer (Quick and with fire)

The first piece is in A minor, and begins dreamily with hints of melancholy, but concludes with a resolution and hope in A major, looking forward to the next movement.

The second piece is in A major, and is playful, upbeat, energetic and positive, with a central section modulating to F major with chromatic triplets in dialogue with the piano.

The final piece is again in A major. The pace suddenly drives into a frenzy of passion and fiery energy, bordering on the irrational. The movement pushes the players to their limits as Schumann writes "schneller und schneller" (faster and faster). The movement ends exuberantly with a triumphant close.

External Link

• Performance by Trey Chui-yee Lee