The suite begins with a six-measure introduction before launching into a variety of dance-like movements. Each movement is unrelated to the preceding ones, except that the second, A major, theme of the sixth movement recurs in G major in the tenth movement and the theme of the first movement returns in the finale. Eric Jensen notes that the 11th movement is appropriately a polonaise as Vult and Wina speak in her native language, Polish (Jensen 2001, 92-93). This movement starts out by quoting the theme of the traditional Grossvater Tanz (Grandfather's Dance), which was always played at the end of a wedding or similar celebration. Repeated notes near the end of the piece suggest a clock striking, signifying the end of the ball.
Original Name | Papillons |
Date of composition | 1831 (1829-31) |
First published | 1831 |
Type | Suite |
Catalogue | Op. 2 |
Approx. duration | 14 minutes |
Instruments | Piano |
Autotranslations beta |
Robert Schumann: Butterflies, Op. 2 Robert Schumann: Butterflies, Op. 2 Robert Schumann: Butterflies, Op. 2 |