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Romantic · character piece

Fast zu ernst (Almost Too Serious), Kinderszenen Op. 15 No. 10

Robert Schumann · Level 6, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

Fast zu ernst (Almost Too Serious), Kinderszenen Op. 15 No. 10 is a character piece by Robert Schumann from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 6, an estimate.

On this page
  • character piece
  • Romantic
  • Key of G-sharp minor
  • gentle

Also known as Scenes from Childhood.

History

Schumann’s Kinderszenen reflects an adult looking back at childhood rather than being simply a beginner’s lesson book. Almost Too Serious changes the emotional atmosphere: a childlike collection can also contain reflective music.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A quiet pickup begins the phrase

    The quiet pickup leads into the opening phrase. Listen for a continuous line rather than giving the short lead-in the weight of a full phrase.

  2. A related phrase changes register

    The next phrase is related but changes register and pitch spelling. Compare the contour while hearing its different placement.

  3. Opening-like gestures reappear

    After the contrasting continuation, opening-like gestures return. Listen for their connection with the beginning before the separate ending alternatives.

  4. A quiet tail brings the close

    The closing tail quietens toward the final chord containing G-sharp. Hear the settling line and preserve the ending rather than automatically returning to the repeat route.

How to practise it

Sustain the upper line through the moving lower pattern.

  1. Practise the upper ties alone, then add the lower motion without replaying tie continuations.
  2. Practise the lower pattern quietly in short units, then combine with the held melody.
  3. Connect the examined opening at a comfortable tempo only when its separate layers feel settled.

How hard is it

Level 6, estimated

The opening ties upper notes across boundaries above lower sixteenth-note register changes, with an inner voice joining. Sustaining the melody independently of accompaniment is the central observed demand.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Robert Schumann, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
Small scenes, big imagination
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

Sustain the upper line through the moving lower pattern.

Practise it in PlayPiano