SCHUMANN, Robert
Märchenbilder (Fairy Tale Pictures) for viola and piano op. 113
I. Nicht schnell
Hariolf Schlichtig, guest professor
Guillermo Gil García, student
Juan Barahona, accompanying pianist
The character of the first movement is similar to a fairy tale, and the professor compares it to Schumann’s Dichterliebe cycle. All musical aspects must correspond to this character, and therefore a specific atmosphere is necessary. In Schumann’s original manuscript, only one bow is indicated for two measures.
The corrections also focus on the movements of the right arm and on playing the beginning as if the performer were backstage, as if the piece emerged from nothing (playing sotto voce) and grew little by little.
The viola must sustain the bow as if it were a continuous line, and take care of the sound at the end of the up bows – maintaining the quality of the sound and finishing the entire bow.
The last pizzicato has to be prepared. The professor develops the idea of axial movement: each movement revolves around an axis. Continuing with this concept, the viola has to remain stable in the middle, in equilibrium.
Language: English
