Leif Ove Andsnes, Piano

Schumann’s melodic Three Romances, a tender set of miniatures dedicated to his beloved Clara, and his theatrical Carnaval frame a program that includes Janáček’s melancholy-tinged music and Bartók miniatures. A cast of many characters—including Schumann’s alter egos, the dreamy Eusebius and volatile Florestan—appear in Carnaval. This set of 21 pieces, inspired by stock figures from commedia dell’arte, highlight Schumann’s gift for creating varying moods and depicting characters with strikingly original, irresistible music.