Schumann: 3 Fantasiestücke, Op.111

Introduction

By the time Schumann wrote this collection of three pieces, he had already been struggling with mental illness, and perhaps partially because of that growing disorder, many of his compositions were lacking the freshness and invention of his earlier ones. Although these Op. 111 Fantasy Pieces are without the staleness that had crept into his style, they do not quite venture into new territory, either.

All are untitled pieces, distinguished only by their tempo indication. The first is marked Molto vivace ed appassionatamente, a description that encapsulates the nature of this stormy piece. It is full of tension in its headlong rush, and the music yearns and wails, but there is never the least suggestion of pity or sorrow, only of fret and coldness.

The second piece, marked Più tosto lento -- Un poco più mosso, begins serenely, but also with a somewhat disengaged emotional state and sense of hesitancy in its musical flow. The main theme is tender and sweet, but has a forced air about its mildness. Tension builds in the middle section, but when the main theme returns, the music gradually begins fading under an icy quiet.

The third of the Fantasy Pieces begins with a grand and triumphant theme and then goes on to an alternate playful melody of subdued character. The opening theme returns and seems to bring on the end, but the alternate material resurrects the music wittily and then closes the piece.

Parts/Movements

1. Sehr rash, mit leidenschaftlichem Vortrag in C minor
2. Ziemlich langsam in A flat major
3. Kräftig und sehr markiert in C minor