| Description: | Robert Schumann (8 June 1810 – 29 July 1856) was widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Schumann left the study of law, intending to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist. He had been assured by his teacher Friedrich Wieck that he could become the finest pianist in Europe, but a hand injury ended this dream. Schumann then focused his musical energies on composing. In 1840, Schumann married Friedrich Wieck's daughter Clara, against the wishes of her father, following a long and acrimonious legal battle, which found in favor of Clara and Robert. Schumann suffered from a lifelong mental disorder, first manifesting itself in 1833 as a severe melancholic depressive episode. After a suicide attempt in 1854, Schumann was admitted to a mental asylum, at his own request, in Endenich near Bonn. Diagnosed with "psychotic melancholia", Schumann died two years later in 1856 without having recovered from his mental illness.
This attractive miniature comes from "Bunte Blätter, Op.99", the pieces having been composed between 1836-1849. It is rich and delicate, somewhat intense, but always refined and dignified.
The excellent transcription was done by George C. Martin (1844-1916). Martin was a student of John Stainer at Oxford, and then Sub-Organist (1876-1888) of St. Paul's Cathedral, London, and then Organist (1888-1916).
He wrote a very popular book, "The Art of Training Choir Boys," which became a standard on the subject, and was appointed a Member (4th class) of the Victorian Order in 1902.
His difficult transcription of Elgar's "Triumphal March" (1897) is still quite popular today.
The score is attached below, as well as several photos of Robert Schumann and one of Sir George Martin. |
Sign up today to download piece.
See what Agnus_Dei used to make this recording