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Robert Schumann

Impromptus, op. 5

1833, revised 1850

The impromptus exist in two finished versions. The first, published in 1833, comprises twelve impromptus, essentially a theme followed by eleven variations. The second version, published in 1850, has a different, new fourth impromptu and omits the penultimate impromptu. Schumann also left incipits for a further eight variations.

Schumann describes the theme as being by his future wife, Clara Wieck, who also wrote a corresponding set of variations, her Romance variée (op. 3). However, the theme appears in Schumann’s sketches much earlier and likely originates from him, not Clara.

The extent to which the final variation is related to the fandango in A-flat major/F minor (Anh. F15) is unclear.

first version (1833)	second version (1850)
1 (Romanza)	Thema
2	I
3	II
4	–
–	III
5	IV
6	V
7	VI
8	VII
9	VIII
10	IX
11	–
12	X

Recommended editions

Gesamtausgabe (Schott) · III/1/1,2 · RSA 1016-20 · ed. Timo Evers [both versions]
Henle · HN 920 · Sämtliche Klavierwerke / Band I · ed. Ernst Herttrich [both versions]
Henle · HN 921 · Sämtliche Klavierwerke / Band I · ed. Ernst Herttrich [both versions]
Henle · HN 852 · ed. Ernst Herttrich [both versions]

First version

The theme is followed by eleven variations.

Duration: 17' 30"

Difficulty: 4.5

Second version

The theme is followed by ten variations.

Duration: 15' 30"

Difficulty: 4.5