Arabeske in C major, Op. 18 (Schumann)
Movements
Notes
Arabeske in C major Op 18 was written in early 1839, perhaps as an act of appeasement in a troubled time. Schumann’s marriage to his beloved Clara would not take place for more than a year and the couple were busy petitioning the courts for permission to marry, over Clara’s father’s objection to the union. Robert had been courting Clara since 1835 after a previous romance came to an end.
The title is informative: an Arabeske or Arabesque is an ornament or style of figural, floral, or animal outlines used to create intricate patterns, inspired by Arab architecture. It is also a dance term, a ballet position. A simple ambling tune makes three appearances, interrupted by two minor-key passages. The tune itself is unchanged in each occurrence but notice how Schumann obliges us to reassess the figure, as though our view changes when seen through the differing shadows cast by the intervening passages. (notes : Grant Hiroshima)
