Three Romances for Violin and Piano

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
Schumann, in 1878, in a painting by Franz von Lenbach
CatalogueOp. 22
Composed1853
DedicationJoseph Joachim
Published
Movements3

Background

Having 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

The romances, scored for violin and piano, are written in three movements:

  1. Andante molto
  2. Allegretto
  3. 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
  1. "Schumann, Clara: Three Romances for Violin, Op. 22". Tim Summers, violinist. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  2. 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.
  3. Pettitt, Stephen (27 January 2013). "Record Review". The Times.
  4. "Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22". LAPhil. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  5. Phillips, Anthony. "Robert and Clara Schumann: Music for Cello and Piano". Naxos. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  6. Lowe, Steven. "Seattle Chamber Music Society: Summer Festival, Friday July 12 2013" (PDF). Seattle Chamber Music Society. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  7. Palmer, John. "Romances (3) for violin & piano, Op. 22". AllMusic. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
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