Andantino, Op. 68, No. 15

Robert Schumann (8 June 1810 – 29 July 1856) was widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Schumann left the study of law, intending to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist. He had been assured by his teacher Friedrich Wieck that he could become the finest pianist in Europe, but a hand injury ended this dream. Schumann then focused his musical energies on composing. In 1840, Schumann married Friedrich Wieck's daughter Clara, against the wishes of her father, following a long and acrimonious legal battle, which found in favor of Clara and Robert. Schumann suffered from a lifelong mental disorder, first manifesting itself in 1833 as a severe melancholic depressive episode. After a suicide attempt in 1854, Schumann was admitted to a mental asylum, at his own request, in Endenich near Bonn. Diagnosed with "psychotic melancholia", Schumann died two years later in 1856 without having recovered from his mental illness.

These three piano works all taken from Schumann's "Album für die Jugend, Op.68", which was composed in 1848 and published in 1849.

This is a flowing and concisely expressive work. The actual title of the piece is "Frühlingsgesang" (Spring Song).

The fine transcription was done by the English organist, William T. Best (1826-1897). Best was the leading concert organist of his day, and was said to have been proclaimed the "greatest of all virtuosos" by none other than Franz Liszt, which would probably suffice for a recommendation. :-)

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Robert Schumann and one of William Best.