Schumann’s 3 Romances, Op 94, date from the end of 1849. Originally scored for oboe and piano, they are performed here on clarinet. All three are in ternary form, though the first, a wistful piece in A minor, has only a brief scherzando exchange before the opening phrase returns. The central piece in A major has “innig” (intimate, heartfelt) in the tempo indication—a quality often present in Schumann’s music. Here the middle section is more agitated and passionate. The final piece in A minor begins with a questioning phrase which returns three more times. Again the middle section brings a contrast in mood.

from notes by Phillip Borg-Wheeler © 2024