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The short answer
A gift to Clara, but a different printed dedication. Romance in F-sharp major, Op. 28 No. 2 is a piece by Robert Schumann from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.
- romance
- Romantic
- gentle
Also known as Romanzen; Schumann, Romance in F-sharp, Op. 28 No. 2.
History
This is the middle piece of Schumann’s three piano Romances, Op. 28. Robert gave the set to Clara at Christmas 1839, and she especially admired this Romance. He considered dedicating the set to Simonin de Sire, but the published dedication ultimately went to Heinrich, Count of Reuss-Köstritz. Gift, proposed dedication and final dedication tell different parts of its history.
Sources
What to listen for
Gentle music frames the beginning
Hear the outer section’s gentle character before the contrasting middle.
The middle becomes more turbulent
Compare the middle’s darker, more turbulent sound with the opening.
Gentleness comes back
Recognise the gentle outer material again after the more turbulent middle.
How to practise it
A returning upper anchor; longer middle tones within short motion.
- Practise the returning 61 quietly and listen for the two higher notes as changes of contour, not isolated loud accents.
- Sing 58, 56, 59 first, then combine it with the short returning figure while listening for that slower outline.
How hard is it
An inner singing line within chordal support requires refined voicing, connected releases and patient pacing.
About this piece
- Licence
- Public Domain
- Source
- mutopiaproject.org
More by Robert Schumann
- Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 1, MélodieLevel 2, estimatedOpen to everyone
- Träumerei, Kinderszenen Op. 15 No. 7Level 6, estimatedWith Maestro
- Toccata in C major, Op. 7Level 10, estimatedWith Maestro
