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Exploring Performance Techniques in Schumann's Piano Suite Papillons

Received: 22 November 2024     Accepted: 5 December 2024     Published: 23 December 2024
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Abstract

Schumann's early piano suite Papillons is a cornerstone of Romantic piano literature and one of the most significant masterpieces of his youth. This work not only represents the evolution of the piano suite as a genre but also reflects Schumann's artistic maturity and innovative compositional style. Drawing inspiration from the composer’s life, this study explores the historical and cultural context of Papillons, its musical characteristics, and its role in shaping Romantic performance practices. The article examines the suite’s melody, rhythm, and harmony, highlighting the structural and thematic elements that contribute to its expressive depth. By focusing on the interplay between these musical components, the study identifies key challenges in interpreting Papillons and provides insights into the performance techniques required to overcome them. Special attention is given to the performer’s "imagination," emphasizing its critical role in interpreting Schumann’s intricate emotional landscapes. Through the construction of an inner vision, performers are encouraged to transform abstract musical ideas into vivid, evocative expressions. This research delves into technical elements such as force control, key touch, and pedal use, providing practical guidance for piano learners seeking to master Papillons. By dissecting the nuances of Schumann's phrasing and dynamic contrasts, the article offers actionable techniques to accurately convey the work’s shifting moods and characters. Ultimately, this study seeks to foster a deeper understanding of Papillons in both technical and artistic terms. It aims to enhance the interpretative skills of pianists by bridging analytical insights with expressive execution. The findings serve as a valuable resource for performers and educators, offering a pathway to elevate the performance level and appreciation of one of Schumann's most iconic compositions.

Published in International Journal of Literature and Arts (Volume 12, Issue 6)
DOI 10.11648/j.ijla.20241206.16
Page(s) 186-192
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Virtuosity, Schumann, Piano Suite, PAPILLONS

References
[1] Daverio, John. Robert Schumann: Herald of a "New Poetic Age". Oxford University Press, 1997.
[2] Samson, Jim. The Cambridge History of Nineteenth-Century Music. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
[3] Walker, Alan. Schumann: The Man and His Music. Barrie & Jenkins, 1972.
[4] Roesner, Linda Correll. "The Romantic Generation and the Piano Suite." Music Review 45.1 (1984): 23-35.
[5] Berger, Karol. "Music and the Novel: Schumann’s Papillons." Journal of Musicology 22.3 (2005): 329–357.
[6] Sams, Eric. The Songs of Robert Schumann. Faber & Faber, 1969.
[7] Plantinga, Leon. Romantic Music: A History of Musical Style in Nineteenth-Century Europe. Norton, 1984.
[8] Taylor, Timothy. "Schumann and the Character Piece." Musical Quarterly 78.2 (1994): 310–335.
[9] Dubal, David. The Art of the Piano: Its Performers, Literature, and Recordings. Amadeus Press, 2004.
[10] Brown, Clive. Classical and Romantic Performing Practice 1750–1900. Oxford University Press, 1999.
[11] Rosen, Charles. The Romantic Generation. Harvard University Press, 1995.
[12] Hamilton, Kenneth. After the Golden Age: Romantic Pianism and Modern Performance. Oxford University Press, 2008.
[13] Litzmann, Clara. "Schumann’s Piano Works and the Romantic Spirit." Piano Quarterly 50.3 (1990): 22–34.
[14] Czerny, Carl. The Art of Finger Dexterity. Edited by E. von Sauer. Vienna: Universal Edition, 1920.
[15] Reich, Nancy B. "Schumann and the Influence of Literature." Music & Letters 44.3 (1963): 204–213.
[16] Bertha, Antonia. "Pedal Techniques in Romantic Piano Music." Piano World 34.2 (2001): 14–19.
[17] Parmer, Dillon. "Romanticism and its Discontents: Schumann’s Literary Inspirations." 19th-Century Music Review 10.1 (2013): 51–72."
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Ziyu, K. (2024). Exploring Performance Techniques in Schumann's Piano Suite Papillons. International Journal of Literature and Arts, 12(6), 186-192. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijla.20241206.16

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    ACS Style

    Ziyu, K. Exploring Performance Techniques in Schumann's Piano Suite Papillons. Int. J. Lit. Arts 2024, 12(6), 186-192. doi: 10.11648/j.ijla.20241206.16

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    AMA Style

    Ziyu K. Exploring Performance Techniques in Schumann's Piano Suite Papillons. Int J Lit Arts. 2024;12(6):186-192. doi: 10.11648/j.ijla.20241206.16

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ijla.20241206.16,
      author = {Kuang Ziyu},
      title = {Exploring Performance Techniques in Schumann's Piano Suite Papillons
    },
      journal = {International Journal of Literature and Arts},
      volume = {12},
      number = {6},
      pages = {186-192},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ijla.20241206.16},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijla.20241206.16},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijla.20241206.16},
      abstract = {Schumann's early piano suite Papillons is a cornerstone of Romantic piano literature and one of the most significant masterpieces of his youth. This work not only represents the evolution of the piano suite as a genre but also reflects Schumann's artistic maturity and innovative compositional style. Drawing inspiration from the composer’s life, this study explores the historical and cultural context of Papillons, its musical characteristics, and its role in shaping Romantic performance practices. The article examines the suite’s melody, rhythm, and harmony, highlighting the structural and thematic elements that contribute to its expressive depth. By focusing on the interplay between these musical components, the study identifies key challenges in interpreting Papillons and provides insights into the performance techniques required to overcome them. Special attention is given to the performer’s "imagination," emphasizing its critical role in interpreting Schumann’s intricate emotional landscapes. Through the construction of an inner vision, performers are encouraged to transform abstract musical ideas into vivid, evocative expressions. This research delves into technical elements such as force control, key touch, and pedal use, providing practical guidance for piano learners seeking to master Papillons. By dissecting the nuances of Schumann's phrasing and dynamic contrasts, the article offers actionable techniques to accurately convey the work’s shifting moods and characters. Ultimately, this study seeks to foster a deeper understanding of Papillons in both technical and artistic terms. It aims to enhance the interpretative skills of pianists by bridging analytical insights with expressive execution. The findings serve as a valuable resource for performers and educators, offering a pathway to elevate the performance level and appreciation of one of Schumann's most iconic compositions.
    },
     year = {2024}
    }
    

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    AB  - Schumann's early piano suite Papillons is a cornerstone of Romantic piano literature and one of the most significant masterpieces of his youth. This work not only represents the evolution of the piano suite as a genre but also reflects Schumann's artistic maturity and innovative compositional style. Drawing inspiration from the composer’s life, this study explores the historical and cultural context of Papillons, its musical characteristics, and its role in shaping Romantic performance practices. The article examines the suite’s melody, rhythm, and harmony, highlighting the structural and thematic elements that contribute to its expressive depth. By focusing on the interplay between these musical components, the study identifies key challenges in interpreting Papillons and provides insights into the performance techniques required to overcome them. Special attention is given to the performer’s "imagination," emphasizing its critical role in interpreting Schumann’s intricate emotional landscapes. Through the construction of an inner vision, performers are encouraged to transform abstract musical ideas into vivid, evocative expressions. This research delves into technical elements such as force control, key touch, and pedal use, providing practical guidance for piano learners seeking to master Papillons. By dissecting the nuances of Schumann's phrasing and dynamic contrasts, the article offers actionable techniques to accurately convey the work’s shifting moods and characters. Ultimately, this study seeks to foster a deeper understanding of Papillons in both technical and artistic terms. It aims to enhance the interpretative skills of pianists by bridging analytical insights with expressive execution. The findings serve as a valuable resource for performers and educators, offering a pathway to elevate the performance level and appreciation of one of Schumann's most iconic compositions.
    
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Author Information
  • School of Music, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China

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