Schumann sampler

[stiefel]

Hello everyone,

I'm posting today because I would like to gain a better appreciation of Schumann.  I've listened to some random pieces of his on youtube, and I haven't loved anything.  Things of his I've listened to somewhat include his piano concerto (to me this seems like a boring ripped-off version the the grieg concerto) and "In der Nacht" from op 12 (this one I like a little).

Could someone/anyone talk about Schumann a little?  What were some milestones in his life?  What were his most important piano compositions?  What works of his should I listen to that are a good introduction into his style?

[j_menz]

to me this seems like a boring ripped-off version the the grieg concerto

Schumann's dates from 1845, Greig's from 1868. If one's ripped of the other...... 

I actually like Schumann, despite the views of some around here.  A good introduction would be his 2nd Piano Sonata, his Toccata, Kinderscenen, Kreisleriana, Blumenstucke and the Davidsbundlertanze. I'd also suggest some of his non-piano works.

The wikipedia article on him is a pretty good intro to his life.

[stiefel]

Okay, I guess the Schumann concerto came first, but the Grieg is much better 

[j_menz]

Okay, I guess the Schumann concerto came first, but the Grieg is much better 

I have to say I rate them about the same, which is not especially highly; either as piano concerti or as examples of the respective composer's output.

[stiefel]

I'm pleased to report that I've really been enjoying Kreisleriana lately.  I'm not afraid of Schumann anymore.  Thank you.

[49410enrique]

in a show of well intended effort and 'good faith' i will try to push my mild apathy for bobby and and try to post something of this i rather like (only sometimes, i find i only go out of my way to listen to this a few times a year )

i think the length of is about just right, any longer it would start to wear on me (sort of like an alarm clock going off, gets my attention but after about a minute i just want to scream and thow it across the room to make it stop)

i have yet to flail my computer or speakers against the wall when listening to this, dare i say have replayed it once or twice in the past

[stiefel]

Hmm... I didn't care for that too much.  I sensed too much alarm clock and not enough music

How about schumann's Abegg varations?  I think i could potentially like that piece.  I've listened/watched lang lang play the first few minutes on youtube and the piece simply sparkles.  Lang lang's expressiveness helps here.

[magic_hands]

I too struggled with why so many love Schumann for a couple of years.

And I found a soft spot with this piece:

Symphonic Etudes

Still not infatuated by the guy though

[patrickd]

How about his Fantasy in C major op 17.