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Romantic · etude

Étude after Paganini’s Caprice No. 19, Op. 3 No. 5

Robert Schumann · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A violin caprice finds a piano voice. Étude after Paganini’s Caprice No. 19, Op. 3 No. 5 is an etude by Robert Schumann from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

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  • etude
  • Romantic
  • playful

Also known as Robert Schumann, after Niccolò Paganini; Étude after Paganini's 19th Caprice - R. Schumann, Op. 3, No. 5.

History

While planning a piano tutor in 1832 to 33, Schumann studied Paganini’s violin caprices. His Op. 3 studies follow those models closely and keep their teaching purpose. This fifth study lets a pianist explore how music written for a solo violin can become keyboard writing.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A broad call without lower support

    The slow upper chordal call sounds while the lower staff rests. Hear the exposed gesture and leave its spaces audible.

  2. Repeated-note cells change the pace

    Allegro wording introduces repeated-note cells with short lower replies. Hear the sharper change of texture before the first repeat closes.

  3. Running notes replace the short cells

    The Minore-marked region replaces the repeated-note cells with running upper sixteenths. Follow the longer moving line as the texture changes.

  4. Recalled replies rise and slow

    Further recalled replies climb in register before slowing into a held final sonority. Hear the rise and the settling as one larger closing gesture.

How to practise it

Keep the octave introduction relaxed before the lighter figure.

  1. Practise the octave contour slowly, then add the grace approach lightly.
  2. Practise the short figure on one pitch first, then connect its turn and register shift.
  3. Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

Study-like figuration needs evenness and coordinated articulation while a distinct phrase shape remains audible.

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 introduction relaxed before the lighter figure.

Practise it in PlayPiano