Fantasy Pieces [Fantasiestuecke], op 73 (Herttrich et al)
Revised urtext edition 2005. Edited by Ernst Herttrich. Piano fingering by Hans-Martin Theopold. Violin fingering & bowing by Ernst Schliephake. Notes: The circumstances in which these poetic Soiree Pieces (thus their original title) came into being are quite surprising. In 1849 Dresden was seized by violent political turmoil that ultimately forced Schumann to flee with Clara to the countryside. Yet none of this is apparent in the music of these three pieces, whose idyllic character signifies a longing for harmony and seclusion. Originally conceived for the clarinet, they were accompanied by alternative parts for violin and cello as early as the original print. The first edition was given an added line on the title page ("ad libit. Violine od. Violoncell") and included two separate parts for these instruments. Although we have no way of knowing whether Schumann himself revised the two string parts, there can be no doubt whatsoever that he accepted and authorized them. We have subjected our editions to a thoroughgoing critique and include a section of detailed editorial notes.