Novelletten (Schumann)
The Novelletten, Op. 21, is a set of eight pieces for solo piano, written by Robert Schumann in 1838.[1] This composition is dedicated to Adolf von Henselt.
Background
The Novelletten were composed during February 1838, a period of great struggle for the composer.[2] Schumann originally intended the eight pieces to be performed together as a group, though they are often performed separately.
This set of pieces is an excellent example of Schumann's keyboard style.[1]
Analysis
No. 1 in F major
- Markiert und kräftig
- (Marked and strong)
This piece contains seven sections, alternating between a staccato march and flowing legato passages. The piece is a modified Rondo form.
No. 2 in D major
- Äußerst rasch und mit Bravour – Im Tempo – Intermezzo: Etwas langsamer, durchaus zart – Erstes Tempo
- (Extremely fast and with bravura – In tempo – Intermezzo: Slightly slower, quite delicate – First tempo)
This virtuosic piece is graceful and effective. An Intermezzo section in the middle contrasts and varies the piece.
No. 3 in D major
- Leicht und mit Humor – Intermezzo: Rasch und wild – Erstes Tempo – Erstes Tempo – Im Tempo
- (Light and with humor – Intermezzo: Fast and wild – First tempo – First tempo – In tempo)
This piece displays the composer's sense of humour through the use of rapid staccato chords. An Intermezzo section in the middle of the piece is used to contrast.
No. 4 in D major
- Ballmässig. Sehr munter – Dringender – Erstes Tempo – Noch schneller – Erstes Tempo
- (Ball-like. Very lively – More urgent – First tempo – Even faster – First tempo)
This piece is quite loosely organized in terms of structure; it is an interesting waltz that uses cross-rhythms and syncopation effectively.
No. 5 in D major
- Rauschend und festlich – Etwas langsamer – Etwas langsamer – Sehr lebhaft – Erstes Tempo
- (Glittering and festive – Slightly slower – Slightly slower – Very lively – First tempo)
This piece is in the form of a polonaise; its principal section contains three main ideas which are then overcome by the persistent rhythms of the Trio section.
No. 6 in A major
- Sehr lebhaft, mit vielem Humor – Immer schneller und schneller – Tempo I
- (Very lively, with much humor – Always faster and faster – Tempo I)
This piece uses an increasing tempo to characterize the progression of sections. Starting from the staccato opening, each of the following passages are marked a few metronome beats faster until the coda, which returns to the original tempo.
No. 7 in E major
- Äusserst rasch – Etwas langsamer – Erstes Tempo
- (Extremely fast – Slightly slower – First tempo)
This piece features a beautiful and lyrical middle section; it also features many virtuosic passages containing fast, brilliant octaves.
No. 8 in F♯ minor
- Sehr lebhaft – Noch lebhafter – Wie früher – Hell und lustig – Fortsetzung: Einfach und gesangvoll – Tempo wie im vorigen Stück – Fortsetzung und Schluss: Munter, nicht zu rasch – Nach und nach lebhafter – Innig – Tempo I
- (Very lively – Even livelier – As before – Bright and funny – Continued: Simple and melodious – Tempo as in the previous piece – Continued and Conclusion: Lively, not too fast – Gradually more lively – Intimate – Tempo I)
The concluding piece of the set is actually two pieces in one. The first part is a passionate étude in 2/4, the second has the nature of a march.[1] It ends in D major, the prinipal key of the cycle.
References
- ^ a b c Steven Coburn. Novelletten, Op. 21 at AllMusic
- ^ "Nicholas Roth – Novelletten, Op. 21". Michigan State University Press. Archived from the original on 2007-06-22. Retrieved 2009-12-17.
Further reading
- Liner notes by Misha Donat, 2014 Hyperion Records recording by Danny Driver
External links
- 8 Noveletten: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project
- Animated score on YouTube, Piano soloist: Dino Ciani
- Performance on YouTube, Piano performed by Tim Burnelis
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