Clara Schumann’s “Warum willst du And’re fragen” (Why do you question others?) in an arrangement for solo piano Dating from 1841 this is a reflective and contemplative romantic instrumental arrangement #sheet music & accompaniment links: This arrangement was quite easy to create because the piano part essentially doubles the melody. There should always be a focus on communicating beauty of sound and tone when playing Clara Schumann’s and music by her contemporaries. The voicing particularly in the piano accompaniment is always very considered with the harmonic writing demonstrating chromatic elements typically found in music of its composition date. Players who want to understand or even confirm phrasing options should simply sing the melody and identify places in the score where it is necessary to breathe. There are subtle tempo changes needed as the movement progresses with slowing downs required at the ends of phrases. Returning to a tempo particularly at the start of phrases is an important aspect of performing this music successfully. Use of the sustaining pedal is recommended but only indicated in the opening bars. The music editor suggests only light use so that the harmonic lines are not blurred or become muddy. There is quite obviously a strong connection and similarities between the composition approach of Robert and Clara Schumann's music. Clara in fact edited much of her husband's music for publishers in the 19th century and was an immense musical talent in her own right. The melody is quite reminiscent of the opening song from Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe song cycle. This is one of the songs that Clara Schumann contributed to Robert Schumann’s 12 Gedichte Aus Liebesfruling Opus 37
