Fantasy Pieces for Violoncello and Piano op. 73

Written in just two days in February 1849, Robert Schumann’s Fantasy Pieces Op. 73 were first performed by his wife Clara and the clarinettist Johann Gottlieb Kotte. Initially entitled Soirée Pieces, the composer later had the works published under the name of Fantasy Pieces, thus establishing a connection with poetical aspects. The first edition published in July 1849 contained not only a clarinet part but also a violin and cello part. Since then, they have become an integral part of the Romantic repertoire for cello and piano. This edition is based on the text of the first edition as well as on subsequent corrections from Schumann’s personal copy, with the extant compositionmanuscript serving as an important corrective.