Fantasy Pieces for Clarinet and Piano

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

Origin

Robert 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 links

Fantasiestücke, Op.73: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)

Chamber music by Robert Schumann
Duos	Fantasy Pieces for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 73 Three Romances for Oboe and Piano, Op. 94 Violin Sonata No. 1 in A minor, Op. 105 Violin Sonata No. 2 in D minor, Op. 121 Märchenbilder for Viola and Piano, Op. 113
Trios	Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 63 Piano Trio No. 2 in F, Op. 80 Piano Trio No. 3 in G minor, Op. 110
Quartets & Quintets	String Quartet No. 1 in A minor, Op. 41 No. 1 String Quartet No. 2 in F, Op. 41 No. 2 String Quartet No. 3 in A, Op. 41 No. 3 Piano Quartet in E♭, Op. 47 Piano Quintet in E♭, Op. 44
List of compositions by Robert Schumann

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