Novelletten (Schumann)

The Novelletten, Op. 21, is a set of eight pieces for solo piano, written by Robert Schumann in 1838.[1] This composition is dedicated to Adolf von Henselt.

Schumann in 1839, one year after composing the Novelletten

Background

The Novelletten were composed during February 1838, a period of great struggle for the composer.[2] Schumann originally intended the eight pieces to be performed together as a group, though they are often performed separately with great success.

This set of pieces is an excellent example of Schumann's keyboard style.[1]

Analysis

No. 1 in F major

Markiert und kräftig
(Marked and strong)

This piece contains seven sections, alternating between a staccato march and flowing legato passages. The piece is a modified Rondo form.

No. 2 in D major

Äußerst rasch und mit Bravour – Im Tempo – Intermezzo: Etwas langsamer, durchaus zart – Erstes Tempo
(Extremely fast and with spirit – In tempo – Intermezzo: Slightly slower, quite delicate – First tempo)

This virtuosic piece is graceful and effective. An Intermezzo section in the middle contrasts and varies the piece.

No. 3 in D major

Leicht und mit Humor – Intermezzo: Rasch und wild – Erstes Tempo – Erstes Tempo – Im Tempo
(Light and with humor – Intermezzo: Fast and wild – First tempo – First tempo – In tempo)

This piece displays the composer's sense of humour through the use of rapid staccato chords. An Intermezzo section in the middle of the piece is used to contrast.

No. 4 in D major

Ballmässig. Sehr munter – Dringender – Erstes Tempo – Noch schneller – Erstes Tempo
(Moderate dance/Ball-like. Very lively – More urgent – First tempo – Even faster – First tempo)

This piece is quite loosely organized in terms of structure; it is an interesting waltz that uses cross-rhythms and syncopation effectively.

No. 5 in D major

Rauschend und festlich – Etwas langsamer – Etwas langsamer – Sehr lebhaft – Erstes Tempo
(Noisy and festive – Slightly slower – Slightly slower – Very lively – First tempo)

This piece is in the form of a polonaise; its principal section contains three main ideas which are then overcome by the persistent rhythms of the Trio section.

No. 6 in A major

Sehr lebhaft – Immer schneller und schneller – Tempo I
(Very lively – Always faster and faster – Tempo I)

This piece uses an increasing tempo to characterize the progression of sections. Starting from the staccato opening, each of the following passages are marked a few metronome beats faster until the coda, which returns to the original tempo.

No. 7 in E major

Äusserst rasch – Etwas langsamer – Erstes Tempo
(Extremely fast – Slightly slower – First tempo)

This piece features a beautiful and lyrical middle section; it also features many virtuosic passages containing fast, brilliant octaves.

No. 8 in F♯ minor

Sehr lebhaft – Noch lebhafter – Wie früher – Hell und lustig – Fortsetzung: Einfach und gesangvoll – Tempo wie im vorigen Stück – Fortsetzung und Schluss: Munter, nicht zu rasch – Nach und nach lebhafter – Innig – Tempo I
(Very lively – Even livelier – As before – Bright and funny – Continued: Simple and melodious – Tempo as in the previous piece – Continued and Conclusion: Lively, not too fast – Gradually lively – Intimate – Tempo I)

The concluding piece of the set, is actually two pieces in one. The first part is a passionate etude in 2/4, the second has the nature of a march.[1]

References
  1. Novelletten Op. 21 at Allmusic
  2. "Novelletten Op. 21 at Michigan State University Press". Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2009-12-17.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.