Max Derrickson

Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Introduction and Allegro Appassionato in G Major, Opus 92

The life of Robert Schumann seems to capture the essence of the glory and tragedy of the “Romantic artist.” He was brilliant, a talented pianist and extraordinary composer, obsessed with the “art” of music. He loved another brilliant pianist, Clara Wieck; against her father’s wishes, he prevailed and married her.
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In all that Romantic living, Schumann created some of the most beautiful of piano works, of which the Introduction and Allegro Appassionato is a glowing testament.

Another of Schumann’s remarkable talents was writing about music. He brought to the field a masterfulness and inventiveness of a high standard. His publication Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik (1834-1844) offered his and others’ essays, reviews, and general musical articles that carried important influence in their day.
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All these qualities are evident in the Introduction and Allegro, completed in 1853 and premiered in 1855. The piece opens with tenderness and beauty in one of the most supremely Romantic themes ever penned. From the Introduction flows a life-affirming Allegro filled with invention, fancy, and energy – delicious chocolate.

It hardly seems possible that in 1854, between the composition and the premiere of this beautiful and lively composition, Schumann committed himself to the asylum in Endenich, where he remained until his death in 1856.