Robert Schumann - Träumerei (Kinderszenen)

Performed by pianist Justin Sanner. Träumerei is from Robert Schumann's set of pieces titled Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) Op 15. Träumerei is the seventh piece in the set. You've probably not heard this piece played at the tempo at which I play it. I play it closer to the suggested metronome marking of a quarter note at 100, and I'm using the G. Henle Verlag Urtext Edition. Justin Sanner is a pianist and piano instructor in San Francisco. Thank you for watching my video. Peace.
Piano: Kawai Digital Piano
Editions: G. Henle Verlag Urtext Edition.
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Speaking of the edition I used for this piece, some people in their comments claim that the metronome marking for this piece is supposedly a "mistake" or "misprint." I would think that if that were the case or if there were some serious and legitimate questions over the metronome marking, that the publisher of this authentic edition (Henle) would make some mention of that in their score. But rather, the metronome marking appears as it is, without any such mention or comment. And it should also be pointed out that Henle often makes comments in their scores when appropriate about the authenticity of the score and the sources they use.

AN UPDATE (11.02.10): I was pleased to receive the following e-mail from Wolf-Dieter Seiffert of Henle Urtext editions in Germany regarding my interpretation of Schumann's Träumerei. He wrote:

Dear Justin,
Many thanks and congratulations from the desk of Henle Urtext editions! Schumann's metronome markings are correct in the sense that we present them according to Schumann's autographs and authorised first editions. For many pianists it is hard to believe that MM 100 (quarter note) is correct for Träumerei because there is such a long -- and wrong -- tradition (in fact since Clara Wieck-Schumann). If you like please visit my Schumann kind of blog and have a look under July 1st where I discuss this topic at length:
http://www.henle.de/index.cfm?open=schumann
Many thanks again and best regards,
Wolf-Dieter Seiffert

Category:

Music

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• Sanner
• Träumerei
• Robert
• Schumann
• Kinderszenen
• classical
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• solo
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• Francisco
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• conservatory

[losinggrip1993]

Good job! Too fast though, but that's just my opinion. Those metronome markings suggested are often too fast. It seems kind of emotionless. That's just me though. If you feel the piece should be played that way, fair enough.

[justinsanner]

@losinggrip1993 Hola. The metronome marking comes from the composer to give the general tempo intended for the piece. Thanks for your comment.

[SonofBrunhilde]

Justinsanner, I agree with you. My copy is marked at 100 for the metronome too. The tempo you play it at sounds much better than the speed you usually hear it played at. I've heard recordings of this piece by professionals that were at snail speed. Does not sound good like that. Good job. Just next time, play it on a grand piano. :)

[Ueberbacker]

this is the original tempo, I think you didnt pay attention to what he said or read the scores haha

[kick030]

All the comments on your page here prove that you are right, and the suggestion that you can play with much more emotion in a slow tempo only proofs that some modern players can put more emotion in the piece than what Schumann’s intention was. Anyway, everybody can play in any tempo, but if you are more open and less slow minded, it is amazing how much more beautiful this little piece is in your tempo.

Thank you very much.

Willem Kroesbergen

[kick030]

Talsma tried to use his half tempo theory for the 17th and 18th century metronomes as well, but if you read the original descriptions it is obvious that Talsma is wrong.

Talsma found out that in his time, baroque music was played much slower then the 18th century metronome markings.

In stead of jumping to the conclusion that we played too slow, he invented the half tempo theory.

[kick030]

Dear Justin,

Bravo by playing Schumann in the tempo he wrote himself on the autograph!

It sounds wonderful in this tempo, a new world opened when I listened.

I am from the Netherlands and I know everything about Talsma and his half tempo theory, which is completely nonsense.

I made a replica of the first metronome, chronometre by Loulie end of the 17th (!) century, see google.

[GerardvanR]

Dear Justin, have you ever heard of the half tempo theory, described by Talsma and Gadient? Please listen to my recording of the studies of Burgmuller, opus 100. On youtube you can search for: Burgmüller Gerard van Reenen. Within a short time I hope to post also Album fúr die Jugend of Schumann with metronome marks of his wife Clara.So, the number of quarternote= 100 you must read as 50 and then the piece is a real Träumerei. Like you play it it is not romantic, but contemporary.

[Maischi007]

Hm ... it's not bad and your playing is very very well but i prefer the slow version because there is more emotion. I think in a slower tempo you can more enjoy it. Robert Schumann wrote a geniusly Harmonic only for the enjoyment in this song!

[marcohorowitz8]

way too fast!

[Moissawy]

tempo in music is almost like a signature and conveys a certain feelings.. tempo isnt a variation factor its the soul of the intended piece.. i have heard many play this piece and this is the first time that i actually WAS NOT moved at ALL whatso eva.. it souned like somthin comtply differnt.. it lost all its emotions at this reidiclous tempo.. play much slower and it needs to have a drag at the slower pieces then speed up a bit at the 4 notes or whteva u wana call it.. bad tempo.. no disrespect