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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1848 - 1849

Average_duration

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3:24

Robert Schumann's 'Waldszenen No. 4 Verrufene Stelle, Op. 82/4' is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1848. It was premiered in the same year in Leipzig, Germany. The piece is part of a larger collection of piano pieces called 'Waldszenen' or 'Forest Scenes', which consists of nine pieces in total. 'Verrufene Stelle' translates to 'Haunted Place' in English, and the piece is characterized by its eerie and mysterious atmosphere. It is written in the key of E-flat minor and is marked 'Langsam und sehr zart' (slow and very tender) in tempo. The piece is in ternary form, with a hauntingly beautiful melody in the A section that is contrasted by a more agitated and dissonant B section. The A section begins with a simple, descending melody in the right hand that is accompanied by a gentle, rolling arpeggio in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with slight variations, building in intensity and adding more complex harmonies. The B section is marked by a sudden shift in mood, with a dissonant chord progression and a more frenzied rhythm. The section is characterized by its use of chromaticism and unexpected harmonic twists and turns. The piece then returns to the A section, but with a slightly altered melody that is more ornamented and expressive. The piece ends with a gentle coda that brings the haunting melody to a peaceful close. Overall, 'Verrufene Stelle' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that showcases Schumann's skill in creating evocative and expressive music. Its use of contrasting sections and unexpected harmonies creates a sense of mystery and unease, making it a standout piece in the 'Waldszenen' collection.

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