Fantasy Pieces, Op. 73

The circumstances in which these poetic Soiree Pieces (thus their original title) came into being are quite surprising. In 1949, Dresden was seized by violent political turmoil that ultimately forced Schumann to flee with Clara to the countryside. Yet none of this is apparent in the music of these three pieces, whose idyllic character signifies a longing for harmony and seclusion. Originally conceived for the clarinet, they were accompanied by alternate parts for violin and cello. This edition contains parts for either B-flat or A clarinet.