Schumann - Musical Context Flashcards
In which period of music history did Schumann work?
The Romantic Period from roughly 1820 to 1910.
In what year did Schumann write her piano trio?
1846
What other important activities occurred in 1846 for Clara Schumann?
She gave the premiere (first) performance of her husband’s Piano Concerto. She also gave birth to her 4th child!
The piano trio is an example of one of the most important forms of “chamber music”. What does this mean?
Chamber music is music written for a small group of musicians to be performed in smaller places, as opposed to big concert halls.
Where was chamber music originally performed?
In the classical period (1750-1810) chamber music would be played in the rooms/halls of Royal/aristocratic palaces. It was performed in salons in Schumann’s time and even in the houses of people.
What happened to the performance practice of chamber music as the Romantic period progressed?
It began to played in concert halls, as much of the music was seen as such high quality. Playing it as concert items allowed larger numbers to hear it. Schumann is likely to have played her trio in salons and concert halls.
Who established (started and fixed) the piano trio form?
Composers of the classical period (1750-1810), such as Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven.
What do you think prompted Schumann to write a piano trio?
She was a pianist who played lots of piano trio repertoire. She would have been very familiar with the form.
What is notable about the size/length of the trio?
It is only one of a small number of multi-movement musical works that Clara Schumann wrote.
