Schumann holds a very special place in my heart. When I was young, I found his music to be pretentious, overly heavy, and unbearable. It wasn’t until I was well into my adult years that I came to appreciate his music.

Two of his best-known works are the “Album for the Young” and “Scenes from Childhood.” Many pianists studied this music in their youth – I was no exception. The pieces in this collection are fairly short and repetitive, and makes for great recital music for young pianists. And, like many young pianists, I endured, but never enjoyed playing these pieces. I always had a picture in my mind of a very serious Schumann towering over a young pianist, saying “not good enough! Practice more!” But now I think that while these pieces might be written for young fingers, their emotional content is intended for adults. There is a longing, a nostalgia, in this music that is too mature for little minds. If you play the piano, I would encourage you to get a copy and learn them; you will be richly rewarded.

Today’s pieces are two separate pieces from the Album for the Young. I believe they were meant to be played together.