A performance guide to Robert Schumann's Cello Concerto in A minor, op.129

Abstract

This research was conducted to study Cello Concerto in A minor, Op.129 by one of the world class composers, Robert Schumann. The particular piece can be interpreted as an icon of Romantic era. The study complied with historical background of the piece, overall analysis, alternative interpretation, and performance practice. The analysis of this paper is divided into two main sections: theory analysis and the interpretation analysis. The first section focuses on the form and structure of a cyclic motif and the recurrences of cyclic to present different ways in the same motif giving a storytelling quality to the concerto. The second section focuses on the rhetorical characteristics, examines how a wordless instrumental can be spoken and sung also may have similar symbolic meanings in Schumann's vocal repertoire. The performance practice part provides steps and a conclusion for performer to guide musical interpretation and exercises or practicing methods. As a performer, the author conducted this study from experiences and several researches with the hope of easing the process and presenting an alternative source of information for those who are in training and/or performing Cello Concerto in A minor, Op.129. The audience can get benefit from this study and be wellinformed, in order to recreate the idealistic intention of one of the most well-known composers of the romantic period, Robert Schumann.