"Beethoven Studies"
The
Etudes are a series of Variations based on the theme of the second movement
of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. After two incomplete versions Schumann
brought together seven etudes under the title of Exercices in 1833, the
fair copy of which was never published. The work stands in close
relationship to the Symphonic Etudes, op. 13. Each piece is dominated by
a specific figure with distinct reminiscences of Beethoven’s work (No.
7 quotes the beginning of the Ninth Symphony). Though Schumann never published
this work it is included on this recording; he was occupied with its composition
for several years (1831-35), and a fair copy for the third (final) version
is extant.
Translation: William Melton
© Franz Vorraber
© Franz Vorraber