1.

In a letter to his wife Clara Wieck, Schumann says

“The realities of everyday life weigh heavily on my soul, and I find
myself longing for escape, for a glimpse of something more”.

2. One of the many forms of escape from reality is through

Nostalgia, fleeing towards an idealized past, particularly
childhood, when life was simpler and full of wonder.

3. That can also be heard in Fantasiestucke’s 2nd movement,

marked as “light and lively”, in which the dialogue between
instruments evoke an echo or memory, and the middle
section is playful and full of humour.

4. The third movement, marked “briskly and with Fire” evokes

themes of heroism, not only escaping but overcoming reality
with courage and lofty ideals.

5. It evokes the literary idea of the Hero’s journey, embarking

on epic quests, facing challenges and triumphing in the end.

6. These pieces reflect the ethos of Romantic literature and the

longing for transcendence. The lack of words preserves only
the raw emotions and moods and blurs the lines between
dreams and reality. Journey with us through the dreamy
landscapes of the Fantasiestucke, 2nd and 3rd movements.