Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 04/27/2011, uploaded on 11/04/2011

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Robert Schumann wrote to Clara in March 1838 that he “composed about 30 sweet little things”, from which he “selected twelve and called them Kinderszenen.” He added a thirteenth piece later, shortly before publication. It is significant that Schumann drew attention to the fundamental difference between Kinderszenen and Album für die Jugend, Op. 68 – another set of children’s pieces: “Kinderszenen are reminiscences by a grown-up for grown-ups, while Album for the Young rather contains make-believe, presentiments and future states of mind for those who are still young.”  Alban Berg, a representative of the “Second Viennese School,” has pointed out that “this piece is in no way as simple as it appears in its harmonic structure. The whole collection is deceptive in its simplicity, yet genuinely touching and refreshing.”     Inesa Sinkevych