Robert Schumann: Fantasiestucke Op.12

Schumann's Eight Fantasiestücke, Op.12 (1837) together constitute one of the composer's finest and most representative works. Intended to be played as an intact group, the set retains enough typical dance forms to be regarded as a sort of dance suite, though the pieces are longer and more complex than those of "true" dance suites like Carnaval, Op.9 (1833 - 35) and Davidsbündlertanze, Op.6 (1837). Most of the pieces are constructed in novel permutations of rounded binary and ternary forms; nearly all have contrasting, trio-like middle sections.