- Schumann composed this character piece for piano in 1839. The title means “Flower Piece.”1 Schumann’s original title for the work was Guirlande (French for Garland).2
- In a letter written Aug. 15, 1839, Schumann referred to the Blumenstück as a “work for ladies” (whatever that’s supposed to mean).3
- Schumann dedicated the Blumenstück to Frau Majorin Friederike Serre. Major Serre and Frau Serre were friends of Clara Wieck’s father Friedrich, who sent Clara to stay with them in 1837 to prevent her from spending time with her Robert Schumann. As it so happens, however, the Serres encouraged the young lovers behind Papa Wieck’s back.4
Sources
- John Daverio and Eric Sams, “Schumann, Robert,” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed August 26, 2021, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000040704.
- Keith Anderson, liner notes to Schumann: Kreisleriana et al, Idil Biret, Naxos 8.571292, CD, 2012.
- Quoted in Daverio and Sams, “Schumann, Robert,” Grove Music Online.
- Anderson, liner notes to Schumann: Kreisleriana et al, Naxos 8.571292.
Cut IDs
20290