Sehnsuchtswalzer

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Robert Schumann's piano mastery with the album "Sehnsuchtswalzer," a captivating collection of his most celebrated works. Released on July 27, 2010, under the Oehms Classics label, this album spans a diverse range of genres within the classical piano repertoire, including chamber music and solo piano compositions.

The album opens with a reconstructed gem, "Variations on a Theme by Schubert, 'Sehnsuchtswalzer Variationen,'" meticulously reconstructed by A. Boyde from manuscripts. This piece showcases Schumann's deep appreciation and influence from his contemporaries, blending his unique voice with Schubert's timeless melodies. The album continues with Schumann's own compositions, such as the whimsical "Papillons, Op. 2," a suite of twelve pieces that dance with playful virtuosity, and the "6 Intermezzos, Op. 4," which offer a more introspective and lyrical side of Schumann's pianism.

One of the highlights of the album is "Carnaval, Op. 9," a sprawling and character-rich work that explores a masquerade ball through a series of vivid musical portraits. Each piece in "Carnaval" brings to life a different character or scene, from the noble elegance of "Valse noble" to the playful banter of "Coquette" and "Replique." This album is a testament to Schumann's genius in creating programmatic music that tells a story and evokes vivid imagery.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, "Sehnsuchtswalzer" is a comprehensive journey through Schumann's piano oeuvre, highlighting his technical brilliance, poetic sensibility, and innovative compositional techniques. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the depth and breadth of Robert Schumann's musical legacy.