Schumann’s Fantasy in C Major, Op. 17 

Schumann penned an ardent musical love letter to his beloved Clara in one of the most original and deeply personal piano works of the Romantic era. He pours his yearning and devotion into every phrase, from the impassioned opening theme to a concluding poetic song of longing. The central-movement march is one of the great displays of virtuoso pianism, a dizzying showpiece of dotted rhythms and surging melodies. Not surprisingly, Schumann dedicated his Fantasy to another brilliant composer-pianist, Franz Liszt.