Today's piece is a solo piano piece which I first learned during my junior year of high school, and relearned three years later as a sophomore in college. Schumann's Drei Romanzen, Op.28, No.2 - Einfach (Ger. 'simply' or 'homely') is a touching example of the romance form.
Here are a few renditions for you to listen to:
(1) Van Cliburn's interpretation is both gentle and emotionally powerful.
(2) Primavera Shima's use of rubato is lovely, and her voicings are crystal clear.
(3) Here's my own cell phone recording from March 2019. Listen at your own risk.
While romances (especially for solo piano) span a diverse range of styles, I feel that this one exemplifies the form (though Schumann took "romances" in general to mean something closer to "ballades" for other composers, which can be reserved or vigorous).
I especially love Van Cliburn's recording not only for its clarity (Shima's recording also is incredibly clear), but particularly for his tasteful phrasing. Though most of the phrases on paper music appear to last four bars, his sense of musical direction, achieved entirely without rushing the tempo, makes phrases seem far broader and more connected. (Of course, generous rubato might feel like rushing at first, but most times Cliburn 'exchanges' time within a single bar.)
Hope you enjoyed the piece! Leave your comments below and see you in the next post!
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