Schumann's Novelletten, Op. 21 comprises eight pieces originally conceived as a cohesive group. However, each piece possesses a narrative arc, akin to movements in a larger structure, despite not being programmatic.
Written during February 1838, a tumultuous period for the composer, the Novelletten reflect Schumann's intense emotions, particularly his passionate love for Clara, expressed through the language of Romanticism. Schumann remarked to Clara, 'I’ve written such a frightful amount of music for you over the past three weeks - pranks, Egmontian tales, family scenes with fathers, a wedding, in short, extremely engaging things.' (Herttrich)
The eighth piece, in F sharp minor, stands out. Sehr lebhaft (Very fast), it embodies the Florestan style, characterized by passion and impulsiveness. Indeed, No. 8 predominantly embodies Florestan. Whether in the perpetual etude style of the chromatical Sehr lebhaft (the first movement) or the rhythmic and march-like quality of the Trios, the piece exudes exuberance and restlessness. Only Eusebius offers respite with its simplicity and singing-like quality, before returning to the Trio section. The exquisite yet somewhat melancholic melodic thread of Einfach reemerges as a climactic moment in the final movement, Munter, nicht zu rasch (lively, not too fast). This majestic conclusion serves as a denouement not only for No. 8 but for the entire set of Novelletten.
Note by Seulki