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Romantic · etude

Étude, Op. 3 No. 3 (after Paganini Caprice No. 11)

Robert Schumann · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A violin caprice finds a piano voice. Étude, Op. 3 No. 3 (after Paganini Caprice No. 11) is an etude by Robert Schumann from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • etude
  • Romantic
  • gentle

Also known as Étude after Paganini's 11th Caprice - R. Schumann Op. 3 No. 3.

History

Schumann's earlier Paganini piano studies, Op. 3, follow the violin originals more closely than his later concert études. No. 3 uses Caprice No. 11, turning Paganini's C-major source into a one-player keyboard study.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A singing contour with short ornaments

    The upper contour sings above independent lower support, with brief ornaments and held replies. Keep the longer melodic direction audible through the decoration.

  2. Chromatic changes connect the continuation

    The continuation changes chromatically and becomes more active before a brief running link. Hear the changed colour without losing the singing thread.

  3. The opening returns lower, then rises

    An opening-related contour returns in a lower register before expanding upward. Follow its familiar shape as the register changes.

  4. Layered replies reach a held close

    Short-note responses and separated lower attacks lead to the held closing C sonority. Hear the layers gather without making every small attack equally strong.

How to practise it

Bring out the upper line while managing independent lower voices.

  1. Sing the upper two-measure contour before playing it.
  2. Practise one lower voice at a time, then combine only two before adding the melody.
  3. Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

Violin-inspired study textures require independent shaping and reliable coordination in the acquired piano setting.

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

Bring out the upper line while managing independent lower voices.

Practise it in PlayPiano