Fünf Stücke im Volkston Opus 102 (composed 1849) by Robert Schumann Arranged for Cello and Guitar by Gregg Nestor
Robert Schumann (1810-1856) was a German composer, pianist, and influential music critic. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Schumann left the study of law, intending to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist. His teacher, Friedrich Wieck, a German pianist, had assured him that he could become the finest pianist in Europe, but a hand injury ended this dream. Schumann then focused his musical energies on composing.
Each of the Five Pieces in Folk Style possesses a distinctive character, and strong contrast in mood, tempo and technique amongst the pieces lends the work its overall structure. Despite the allusion in the work's name to German folk music (or in some translations 'popular' music), the pieces were not titled individually by Schumann; only the first received an atmospheric heading in Latin, Vanitas vanitatum ('Vanity of vanities', the incipit of Ecclesiastes but possibly inspired more directly by the title of Goethe's poem "Vanitas! Vanitatum vanitas”; in general, a favorite saying of the composer).
The pieces are not straightforwardly folk songs; nor are their themes lifted from folk songs. Instead each is an entirely original composition which emulates the style of folk music. The composer also created an alternate version for violin and piano. Both have been arranged by guitarist Gregg Nestor and are presented as unique contributions expanding the literature for guitar and chamber ensemble.