It’s one of Schumann’s character pieces embedded in his album, Kinderszenen, “Scenes of Childhood.” (from the Romantic era)

The challenge is to play defined bursts of sFz’s (sudden accents) followed by light staccato notes without losing control.

If one can breathe through phrases, and think slowly while playing at brisk tempo it helps. Presence of mind is another mantra.

Many of the great pianists perform the piece so quickly that the staccato notes between the sudden accents are completely lost. I doubt Schumann wanted the detached notes ignored, but a bedazzling tempo will certainly put a pianist to the test in realizing the composer’s every detail.

In my instruction, I open with a conservative tempo, followed by baby steps that help learners navigate through the mine field. The second video provides a play-through without commentary.

Enjoy the journey!