Schumanns' Etudes symphonique.

[JK]

I've been learning this piece on and off for around 9 months now, I was just wondering if anyone has played this wonderful piece and if so what are your thoughts or experiences of learning it?

Thanks.

[thracozaag]

Very difficult piece, I love the posth. variations, especially the one in Dflat.

koji

[JK]

I love the posth. variations, especially the one in Dflat.

Totally agree, that's one of the most beautiful parts of any piece that I have ever heard!!! What do you think about including the extra variations, I've played it with them and have recordings with them, however I feel it makes the piece a bit long and the variations in the original order seem to balance each other very well?

[thracozaag]

Totally agree, that's one of the most beautiful parts of any piece that I have ever heard!!! What do you think about including the extra variations, I've played it with them and have recordings with them, however I feel it makes the piece a bit long and the variations in the original order seem to balance each other very well?

 I never found a satisfactory way (for me) of incorporating the posth. variations.  The last time I played them, a million years ago, I ended the program with it, and played a couple of the posth. as encores.

koji

[titos]

  Schumann's Symphonic Etudes is a monumental romantic work, which I love very much and have played it quite often. I certainly believe it's a good idea to learn the posth. variations as well. You can play them inbetween the Etudes and I strongly suggest to you to follow the order of Alferd Cortot, that seems to work perfectly from my experience with the audience AND the performer. Very important is to decide how long the pauses between the Etudes will be. Sometimes it is effective to make just a short pause, but in other cases you need to make longer ones, in order to allow the listeners to understand the music better. Also, use the repeats as a "test" for your fantasy to do different things in dynamics, phrasing, pedalling etc
  Good luck!

[JK]

Schumann's Symphonic Etudes is a monumental romantic work, which I love very much and have played it quite often. I certainly believe it's a good idea to learn the posth. variations as well. You can play them inbetween the Etudes and I strongly suggest to you to follow the order of Alferd Cortot, that seems to work perfectly from my experience with the audience AND the performer. Very important is to decide how long the pauses between the Etudes will be. Sometimes it is effective to make just a short pause, but in other cases you need to make longer ones, in order to allow the listeners to understand the music better. Also, use the repeats as a "test" for your fantasy to do different things in dynamics, phrasing, pedalling etc
  Good luck!

I've actually now played this piece twice, but I've only ever played it with one of the posthumous variations. I would be really greatful if you could list the order in which Cortot plays them (I didn't even know there was a recording). I agree that everything, such as gaps between variations, has to be carefully considered, when you actually explore all the possibilties you certainly find room for the use of a lot of imagination. I also agree that some of the extra variations should be included because I find otherwise it is a bit tough for the audience. This piece deserves to be played more and to enjoy more popularity than it does.

[titos]

  The order, which Cortot suggests is the following
    Thema (Andante)
    Etüde I
    Var. posth. I
    Etüde II
    Etüde III
    Etüde IV
    Etüde V
    Var. Posth. IV
    Etüde VI
    Etüde VII
    Var. posth. II
    Var. posth. V
    Etüde VIII
    Etüde IX
    Var. posth. III
    Etüde X
    Etüde XI
    Etüde XII (Finale)
  I don't know if there is a recording by Cortot, but Arrau uses this order and there is definitely a recording by him. I absolutely agree, that Symphonic Etudes deserve to be played often! Good luck for all your future performances!

[JK]

The order, which Cortot suggests is the following
    Thema (Andante)
    Etüde I
    Var. posth. I
    Etüde II
    Etüde III
    Etüde IV
    Etüde V
    Var. Posth. IV
    Etüde VI
    Etüde VII
    Var. posth. II
    Var. posth. V
    Etüde VIII
    Etüde IX
    Var. posth. III
    Etüde X
    Etüde XI
    Etüde XII (Finale)
  I don't know if there is a recording by Cortot, but Arrau uses this order and there is definitely a recording by him. I absolutely agree, that Symphonic Etudes deserve to be played often! Good luck for all your future performances!

Many thanks, I really appreciate you taking the time to post that information. It's a very interesting order and something I will certainly have to consider in future performances, I'm determined to play this piece as much as it deserves!

Thanks again.

[wintervind]

Any idea when he started composing these etudes?

[ahmedito]

Ive got Argerich's version.