Schumann piano pieces - advice

[franz_]

Hello everyone,

I plan to take my first Schumann piano piece (I only played his first Violin Sonata)
I'm still searching, I had a look on Kreislerliana, Kinderszenen, Davidsbundlertanze,...
What do you think would be a good choice for concerts and competitions?
Honnestly, i like the most the Kinderszenen, because they are so 'simple' and nostalgic. But aren't they considered as a bit childisch too in the repertoire?

Please give your opinion

[sharon_f]

While the Kinderszenen might be good in a recital, I'm not sure about a competition. Look also at Carnival.

[communist]

You should take a look at the Carnival Jest from Vienna and the Symphonic Etudes. both great works. If you are looking for something on the easier side, check out Waldszenen.

[nanabush]

Papillons is a great work too!

Kreisleriana is awesome, I'd recommend it!  I haven't played the whole thing, but I loved learning the sections that I finished.

His Toccata is very cool to listen to; I'm not sure at what level you can play, but that beast would leave an impression at a concert/competition.  The Toccata sounds very happy and uplifting, but the notes are rediculous.

[franz_]

Thanks. A pity about the Kinderszenen, i like them a lot. I think my choice would go to Kreisleriana then. The toccata is great of course, but too short, the same for Papillons.
Someone of you guys played some major work of Schumann and would like to say some of his experiences?

[jbb]

Some of the pieces suggested here such as the Carnaval, Davidsbundlertanze, Symphonic Etudes, Toccata, and even the Viennese Carnaval, are amongst the hardest in the romantic repertoire.  Some more moderate introductions, in addition to the Waldszenen, would be the Papillons, Novellete #1, some of the pieces from the Fantasiestucke Op. 12, the Arabesque, Blumenstucke, or perhaps the Abegg Variations.