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Romantic · etude

Concert Étude, Op. 10 No. 3 (after Paganini Caprice No. 10)

Robert Schumann · Level 9, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A violin caprice finds a piano voice. Concert Étude, Op. 10 No. 3 (after Paganini Caprice No. 10) is an etude by Robert Schumann from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 9, an estimate.

On this page
  • etude
  • Romantic
  • stormy

Also known as Concert Étude after Paganini's 10th Caprice - R. Schumann Op. 10 No. 3.

History

Schumann transformed Paganini's violin Caprices into piano studies. His Op. 10 set is freer and more concert-minded than the earlier Op. 3 set; No. 3 draws on Paganini's Caprice No. 10 in G minor.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. Ornamented attacks and faster replies

    Ornamented upper attacks alternate with chordal responses and quicker lower replies. Listen for the different lengths and textures in that exchange.

  2. A lighter running continuation

    The edition marks the running continuation scherzando before a backward repeat. Hear its shorter sequences as a change from the opening attacks.

  3. The opening-related figure returns

    The two-flat signature and opening-related figure return in writing. Recognise the contour after the denser changed-key sequences.

  4. A high expansion settles downward

    Higher-register expansion gives way to descending replies and a held final G sonority. Hear the larger descent lead toward the last sustained sound.

How to practise it

Keep the octave descent light before the texture exchanges roles.

  1. Practise the octave descent in short overlapping sections at a soft volume.
  2. Practise the lower moving figure alone, then add the quieter held upper chords.
  3. Connect the examined gestures slowly while keeping the stated layers distinct.

How hard is it

Level 9, estimated

Concert-study passagework requires agile coordination and sustained control while preserving musical phrasing.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Robert Schumann, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
The study studio
Licence
CC0
Source
musescore.com

More by Robert Schumann

  1. Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 1, MélodieLevel 2, estimatedOpen to everyone
  2. Träumerei, Kinderszenen Op. 15 No. 7Level 6, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. Toccata in C major, Op. 7Level 10, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Keep the octave descent light before the texture exchanges roles.

Practise it in PlayPiano