Robert Schumann - Carnaval

Carnaval uses small character pieces to create the idea of a costume ball. In the piece Schumann introduces storybook characters (Harlequin and Colombine, for example) as well as real ones (including Chopin and Paganini). Three of the characters are especially personal:

Sound icon Real Audio - Eusebius (Adagio)
Eusebius was Robert's quieter, introspective side. This piece demonstrates Schumann's lyric gift.
| 28K | 56K |
Sound icon Real Audio - Florestan (Passionato)
Florestan represented the Romantic side of Schumann's personality. The quickly changing moods of this short piece suggest a rather mercurial state of mind.
| 28K | 56K |
Sound icon Real Audio - Chiarina (Passionato)
Chiarina is Clara Wieck (fourteen or fifteen at the time). Although Schumann was at that time engaged to another woman (Ernestine von Fricken), he knew Clara well from his studies with her father. Although the movement is marked "passionate," the music suggests more grace and youthful exuberance than passion.
| 28K | 56K |
Schumann - Carnaval

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