Robert Schumann: Toccata Op.7 - Versions 1830 And 1834: Piano: Instrumental Work

Toccata op. 7-Schumann began work on the Toccata Op.7 when he was only 20 years old. At the time he was studying law following his family's wishes. He did not however intend to have his first manuscript entitled 'Exercice' published; itwas only when he was finding his way as a musician that he turned to the sketches again. Similar to his approach with the Paganini studies he endeavoured to combine virtuosity with musical content. The print version of this'Toccata' differed greatly from the first ideas for the 'Exercice'. The autograph of the final version is missing although the 'Exercice' has survived in the form of Schumann's manuscript. It is reproduced in the appendix of thisrevised edition of the first publication.