Schumann Piano Music

[Teasing the Korean]

My taste in classical music tends to be baroque or earlier, and Debussy/Ravel and later.

As a result, there are massive swaths of the classical and romantic periods that I've not explored, Chopin being the main exception.

I recently heard a piano piece that captured my attention.  It had what sounded to me a very "Americana" sound. The harmonies reminded me of more introspective Scott Joplin pieces like "Solace."  

I found out that the piece was by Schumann.  I don't remember the title, or whether it was one movement of a larger piece.

At any rate, I am curious if anyone understands what I mean about the Americana/Scott Joplin aspect of Schumann, and if whatever I was picking up on is a general Schumann characteristic, or exclusive to this one piece.

 

 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Teasing the Korean

[mikeweil]

Schumann was adored by many French late 19th century composers, he introduced many ideas they liked, and he favored smaller forms just as the French, wo were not that much inclined with sonata forms and the like - so no wonder. 

Edited December 31, 2021 by mikeweil

[HutchFan]

TtK,

I love Schumann's music, and what you're describing doesn't ring any bells -- for me, at least.

I'm no expert, but I'd wager that the "Americana"-like sounds you heard were the result of a particular pianist's interpretation, rather than something inherent in one of Schumann's compositions.

 

[mjzee]

TtK, if I had to guess, I think what you're referring to as an "Americana" sound is that a lot of the music played behind early silent films sounds like that.  Think of Buster Keaton's "The General."

[mikeweil]

Have a listen to Carnaval, and Kreisleriana.

[Chuck Nessa]

Try this - it isn't expensive.

[soulpope]

Speaking of inexpensive :

Excellent performances covering Schumann`s complete euvre for solo piano .... the chance for digging deeper into (t)his music ....

Edited January 1, 2022 by soulpope

[Teasing the Korean]

Thanks all. I realize my description was very subjective and vague.  I will try to find the track that I heard from one of those albums posted above.

[mikeweil]

8 hours ago, soulpope said:

Speaking of inexpensive :

Excellent performances covering Schumann`s complete euvre for solo piano .... the chance for digging deeper into (t)his music ....

That is a collection I can heartily recommend.