Romance, Op. 28, No. 2 in F Sharp

Description

There are three Romances in Schumann's Op. 28 set and this middle one, in F sharp minor, is by far the most popular. With its Romantic, pensive character, it offers quite a contrast to the excited manner of the opening Romance in B flat minor, and it brilliantly sets the stage for the dry humor and contrapuntal nature of the final Romance in B major. The Romance No. 2 (Einfach), which translates from the German as “simply,” lives up to the meaning of that word not only in presenting an uncomplicated melody with simple harmonies, but in restricting the range of the music. This lovely but slightly stiff theme is played in the middle register, singing its love song as if reticent to venture beyond its baritone borders. Finally, it trespasses into the upper register in the middle section, but only by darkening its mellow demeanor. The main theme then reappears in its opening guise, but soon takes on a more adventurous manner in widening its expressive range, both in terms of emotions and keyboard span. Lasting about four minutes, this piece, with its memorable singing melody, will find favor with many piano music enthusiasts.