Clara Schumann's Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann in F# minor, Op. 20

CLARA SCHUMANN’S VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY ROBERT SCHUMANN IN F# MINOR, OP. 20

This opus is a set of variations that Clara Schumann wrote based on a theme that was written by her husband Robert Schumann in 1853. The theme was based on his first Bunte Blatter, Op. 99, and this same theme was later used by Brahms’s as the basis for a set of variations, Op. 9, which was also composed in 1853.

There are a total of seven variations, and a coda, in this piece. The original melody from the theme in Variation 1 is present, except it is supported by a legato triplet accompaniment. Variation 2 has a more lively character than the previous one, complete with repeated chords and some chromaticism. The next variation has some lovely inner voicings and is a chorale. This is reminiscent of the theme in Schumann’s Symphonic Etude, Op. 13 (in my opinion); the theme is stated in the chords played by the left hand, while the right hand plays a scale and arpeggio figuration in triplet rhythm. In Variation 5, the right hand plays the theme in full chords while the left hand plays octave and sale figurations. This variation, while brilliant, sounds somewhat forceful. The sixth variation is a four-voice canon, and in the last variation, the theme is set forth against accompaniment that is divided between the hands. Interestingly, Variation 3 returns and is followed by a coda using the same accompaniment material from Variation 7. According to Todd, the section where Variation 3 returns is taken from her Romance variee, Op. 3:

Overall, this piece is comforting to listen to; in particular, the ear can easily follow the theme. The melodies flow beautifully and incessantly throughout the piece which, while not virtuosic, involves considerable technical skill.