SCHUMANN Arabeske in C op18

[matterintospirit]

Interesting that Schumann considered this piece "hausmusik," writing it for public consumption for much needed money. I could see where technically it could be within reach of advanced hobbyists, but musically, there is not a single note that doesn't need special attention, not a single note that "plays" on it's own. Talk about unending challenges. For me, will always be a work in progress.

[pianistimo]

lovely!  my preference would be to have a softer middle section (more subdued) - but i like your interpretation, too.  there's a lot of peacefulness in the beginning and ending.

i guess this is more like a rondo - so the 'middle' - would mean first alternate section.

[matterintospirit]

Thanks for the compliment pianistimo. Glad you enjoyed it! This piece has been, musically speaking, so very difficult for me---I'm not so much the peaceful type!, although I'm always searching for it, hoping for it! To me, the almost elusive quality of the main theme has constantly eluded ME! Anyway,  that's why I love the classical repertoire so much. It can challenge you to enter "states" that are "foreign" in a good way, and you learn from it. Truthfully when I first learned the notes, I was just clueless. It sounded like such crap!! I've been working on it for some time, much frustration ! Always asking myself, "why isn't this working, why isn't this working??" So I'm happy with how much it has come along. I'll tell you one thing. Working on this piece along with the Papillons has given me a newfound, too fierce respect for Schumman's music. I'm just amazed by it, and it may just be that he is my favorite composer from the period. Thanks again for listening.

                         Regards,

                               Matter into spirit---(sometimes )