Twilight Would Spread Its Wings

The split in Robert Schumann’s emotional soul finds its echo in the Arabesque, Op. 18. The differing interpretation of the same thematic material, and its rhythmic and melodic transformation, give rise to two characters in this work: the delicate and gentle Eusebius and the bold, impetuous Florestan – entwined with each other in a single melodic line that shapes the entire piece.