Toccata

Historical context

Robert Schumann offered his Toccata as “a proof of my uninterrupted efforts” in composing, as he wrote in 1834. He also noted at the time that it would be difficult to find anyone to play it in Zwickau. Schumann anticipated its publication by Hofmeister, and in 1834, he also planned to send a Toccata along with other works to Fischhof, seeking his opinion. The composer later asked Dorn how his toccata displeased him in its “new form,” suggesting revisions had been made, and similarly inquired of Dr. Töpken, “How does my toccata displease you in its new form?” in 1835. By 1838, Schumann suggested that Clara play the Toccata for Liszt, as Liszt did not yet know the piece.

Drawn from Schumann, Robert, 1810-1856, The letters of Robert Schumann (1907); May Herbert, Early Letters Of Robert Schumann (1888); Schumann, Robert, 1810-1856; Storck, Karl, 1873-1920; Bryant, Hannah, The letters of Robert Schumann; (1907) — public domain, archive.org.