Composer

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Robert Schumann

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Character Piece

Compose Date

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1838

Average_duration

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0:54

Robert Schumann's Kinderszenen No. 4 Bittendes Kind, Op. 15/4, is a piano piece that was composed in 1838. It is part of a collection of 13 short pieces that Schumann wrote for piano, which he called Kinderszenen or "Scenes from Childhood." The collection was inspired by Schumann's memories of his own childhood and his observations of children. The premiere of Kinderszenen No. 4 Bittendes Kind, Op. 15/4, is not well-documented, but it is likely that Schumann himself performed it in private or at a small gathering of friends. The piece was published in 1839 as part of the complete Kinderszenen collection. The piece is marked "Langsam" (slow) and "mit innigem Ausdruck" (with heartfelt expression), and it is written in the key of A minor. It consists of a simple melody that is repeated several times with slight variations. The left hand plays a simple accompaniment that consists of broken chords and occasional octaves. The title of the piece, Bittendes Kind, translates to "pleading child" or "begging child." The melody of the piece is plaintive and melancholy, and it conveys a sense of sadness or longing. The repeated notes in the melody create a sense of urgency or desperation, as if the child is begging for something that they desperately need. Overall, Kinderszenen No. 4 Bittendes Kind, Op. 15/4, is a simple but powerful piece that captures the emotions of childhood. It is a testament to Schumann's ability to create music that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.

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