Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Canon

Compose Date

:

1847

Average_duration

:

11:40

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Robert Schumann's 'Ritornelle (8) in canonischen Weisen, Op. 65' is a collection of eight short pieces for piano, composed in 1842. The work was premiered in Leipzig on December 22, 1842, with Schumann himself performing. The eight movements of 'Ritornelle' are all canons, which means that each voice imitates the previous voice at a fixed interval. The canons are all in different keys and have different time signatures, creating a varied and interesting collection of pieces. The first canon, marked 'Mit innigem Ausdruck' (with heartfelt expression), is in 3/4 time and features a gentle, flowing melody. The second canon, marked 'Lebhaft' (lively), is in 2/4 time and has a more energetic and playful character. The third canon, marked 'Mäßig' (moderate), is in 4/4 time and has a more serious and contemplative mood. The fourth canon, marked 'Sehr lebhaft' (very lively), is in 3/8 time and has a fast and frenetic character. The fifth canon, marked 'Langsam' (slow), is in 6/8 time and has a mournful and melancholic melody. The sixth canon, marked 'Lebhaft' (lively), is in 3/4 time and has a bright and cheerful character. The seventh canon, marked 'Mäßig' (moderate), is in 4/4 time and has a more introspective and contemplative mood. The final canon, marked 'Lebhaft' (lively), is in 2/4 time and has a joyful and celebratory character. Overall, 'Ritornelle' is a charming and varied collection of canons that showcases Schumann's skill as a composer. The use of different keys and time signatures adds interest and variety to the work, while the canonic form creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout.

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