5 Pieces in Folk Style, Op. 102

Originally composed for violoncello and piano, Schumann’s opus 102 was also published in an edition for violin. In this new Urtext edition, practice-oriented string fingerings are included making this work excellently suited for the teaching of intermediate level students and beyond. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Schumann’s birth, Henle has released these rarely heard miniatures for cello and piano. They are quirky and short, but more substantial than first meets the ear…Goethe’s poem ‘Vanitas! vanitatum vanitas!’ gives the first spirited piece its title–in contrast, the second is pastoral and nostalgic. The third allows the cello full romantic rein in a sonorous melody, while the fourth is a joyous dance giving way to a mellow tune. The fifth and lengthier last piece rounds out the set, reminiscent of the first.–Strings magazine