Question on Schumann piece???

[Shagdac]

Wondered if anyone here is familiar with Schumann's
"Variations on the Name "Abegg", and also if this piece would be considered to be a good choice as a competition piece? I really enjoy this piece, but don't think I've heard it overplayed. Any advise or comments would be appreciated, and if you've played or taught this, please go over any parts of this piece that may be of particular difficulty or present questions.

Appreciate your help.

Thanks
S

[bernhard]

Wonderful piece . Quite amazing actually that it was Schumann’s first (published) composition.

I agree with you, it should be quite good for a competition since it is underplayed and yet very exuberant and uplifting. (Richter plays it ferociously!).

The theme is of course grade 1 material, but then each variation has its own specific hairy moments. In general bringing up the theme from the thickness of the voices is the main problem (and actually not that difficult to do).

Variation 1: I suggest that you split the three voices and practise each separately. Then hands separate. Then when you join hands, leave out the middle voice (the chromatic runs), so that you have a simplified outline. Only when this is truly under the hands (keep the original fingering), join the runs – which should be practised in parallel.

Variation 2: Once you get the pattern of alternating hands this is easy. The main hairy moment comes when you have to cross hands. But if you have been doing your Scarlatti, this variation is a piece of cake (personally is the one I find the easiest). Again it is a good idea to ignore the middle voice (the crochet-semiquaver figure) and learn the outline first. This is also the kind of pattern that will respond well to  repeated note groups practice.

Variation 3. Personally I find this (and the finale) the most difficult (and the most beautiful), especially the cantabile section. The long trill on fingers 12 of the RH while the other fingers play the theme is a real pregnant dog. Again do the outline first and join the trill later (this is the kind of passage where a third hand would be desirable) .

Finale – All hell breaks loose!

Good luck!

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[sharon_f]

I love the "Abegg" Variations! They are perfect for a competition. And you're right, they are not overplayed. In fact, they are criminally underplayed.

[IllBeBach]

I think a lot of Schumann is criminally underplayed!  But of course I have become a Schumann fanatic in the past year.  

[Shagdac]

Thanks so much Bernhard! Can't wait to get started on this piece! I appreciate your help as always and sure it will be of benefit.


S

[bernhard]

Thanks so much Bernhard! Can't wait to get started on this piece! I appreciate your help as always and sure it will be of benefit.


S

You are welcome.