Schumann, Marchenbilder For Viola (Breitkopf & Härtel)

Robert Schumann, a renowned composer, created a remarkable collection of pieces for viola and piano known as Märchenbilder, or 'Fairy Tale Pictures' in English, in March 1851. The collection is a dedication to Wilhelm Joseph von Wasielewski, a German violinist and conductor, and consists of four exceptional pieces that take approximately 16 minutes to perform.

Schumann was the first composer to incorporate the lyrical character piece for piano into chamber music. He drew inspiration from the form developed by other famous composers such as Schubert, Mendelssohn, and himself, which had been around since 1820. Schumann's Märchenbilder is a series of cycles in duo combinations that stands out as the first significant and groundbreaking work for viola and piano, not written in sonata or variation form. The pieces showcase Schumann's exceptional talent in creating music that evokes emotions and tells a story, making it a must-listen for any classical music lover.