Schumann: Piano Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 | Tiffany Poon, piano

A work of great versatility that demands a high level of virtuosity inspired by Beethoven. New York pianist Tiffany Poon played Robert Schumann's Piano Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 at the Dresden Music Festival. The concert took place on June 17, 2023, at the Palais im Großen Garten.
(00:00) Coming on stage
(00:22) I. So rasch wie möglich
(05:58) II. Andantino. Getragen
(11:20) III. Scherzo. Sehr rasch und markiert
(12:56) IV. Rondo. Presto
Robert Schumann worked on Piano Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 intermittently for a total of six years. It’s one of just three piano sonatas composed by Schumann, one of the most famous composers of the Romantic era. The theme of the second movement of the sonata is based on the song “Im Herbste,” which Schumann composed in 1828 as an accompaniment to the verses of the poet Justinus Kerner. After the song was reworked into a piano piece called “Papillote,” in which the 2/4 rhythm was changed to a 6/8 rhythm and the key was changed from E-flat major to C major, it was also included in 1830 in the second movement of the Sonata in G minor.
Three years later, in June 1833, Schumann composed the opening movement, in which, inspired by Beethoven, the secondary theme evolves out of the main theme. The burlesque and elegant Scherzo was also composed during this time. In October 1835, Schumann began composing the dizzying Rondo in 6/16 time, which constantly switches between duplets and triplets. Soon after, Schumann announced that the sonata had been “completed.”
Two years later, Schumann started work on the sonata again and showed it to Clara Wieck, who would later become his wife. She replied, “Your entire essence is expressed so clearly in this, and it’s not too difficult to follow. But I have just one remark: Do you want to keep the last movement as it previously was? Why don’t you make it more light-hearted, as it’s quite difficult at the moment. I understand it and I would also play it necessary, but the people, the audience, and even the experts - the ones you actually compose music for, they won’t understand. You won’t take this wrongly, right? As you asked me for my opinion as if you were my husband.”
In a letter written in March 1838, Schumann agreed with her: “You’re very right about the last movement of the sonata, I really much dislike it (apart from a few passionate moments), and I’ve decided to drop it completely”. Contrary to this statement, Schumann changed the first movement considerably in December 1838. He composed an entirely new rondo finale, which he himself classified as “very simple,” but which he also felt “fits well within” the other movements of the sonata.
The sonata appeared in print in September 1839. An erroneous version of the finale, which Schumann he had decided to discard, was published by Johannes Brahms in 1866. Schumann’s own version of the original finale was first published in 1981. This is the version Tiffany Poon played in her concert in Dresden.
The sonata appeared in print in September 1839. An erroneous version of the finale, which Schumann he had decided to discard, was published by Johannes Brahms in 1866. Schumann’s own version of the original finale was first published in 1981. This is the version Tiffany Poon played in her concert in Dresden.
Tiffany Poon was born in Hong Kong in 1996. She started taking piano lessons at age of four. She moved to New York when she was nine, where she attended the Juilliard School Pre-College program. Poon made her concert debut at the age of 10. She graduated from high school in 2014 and continued her piano studies in an exchange program between Columbia University and The Juilliard School. Poon also studied philosophy. In 2018, she graduated from Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts. Today, she performs worldwide both with an orchestra and as a soloist. In 2017, she started a KZbin project to share a more personal side of herself. She has an impressive social media presence, with 320,000 followers on KZbin alone. Poon also works with the community through her charity, Together with Classical, which supports musicians during their education and brings together classical music lovers from around the world. Her new album with works by Robert Schumann, "Diaries: Schumann," has been available since February 9, 2024.
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[@meszarosmate4257]

I have never heard this Sonata from Schumann bevor, but it is stunning! I love the lightness and high professionality from this young lady! Bravo! :)

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@filipposantoro8830]

Such an underrated piece. Amazingly beautiful and difficult. What a wonderful pianist! All the joy you can catch, Tiffany Poon.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@schildjean3795]

Her love for Schumann's music is so evident and touching! What a great performance..

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@DaestrumManitz]

Tiffany really brings such a fresh, vibrant interpretation to this Schumann piano sonata. 🔥🫶🏻

[@kolinbrannon998]

The music sings in her so vividly! Marvelous, simply marvelous!'

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@chutdigadut]

Tiffany is rapidly climbing the ranks as one of my all time favorite pianists. The musicality, passion, clarity... it's all unparalleled here. Incredible artist

[@andresgunther]

This has come a LONG way for the better since I heard Tiffany playing this work live for the first time (On "Dreamstage", 2020). This performance shows how mature as an artist she has become in the three years since then. The clarity and elegance are remarkable even for Tiffany's high standards, and always get priority over dazzling show off virtuosity; as well as she didn't take Schumann's "As Fast as Possible" indication for the 1st movement as a license to rush through it like mad and blurring everything up, as, unfortunately, so many pianists do. The second movement and other slower parts show a voicing that brings out details that are usually missed. I confess that Schumann is NOT my favorite piano composer (I prefer his Lieder, symphonies and chamber music), but this interpretation of his sonata surely has become one of my top favorites.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@almos33]

Maravillosa interpretación, realmente ella entiende las intenciones más íntimas de Schumann

[@noonesbiznass5389]

The things human can do... simply breathtaking.

[@martinopipino]

Very challenging piece!! Played with ease and lightness

[@HWLee-vu4hv]

Thanks DW! What an enjoyable performance by Tiffany Poon.

[@drpangloss6725]

It’s so nice to wake up to a wonderful music played so masterfully!

[@exomin4309]

the schumann energy is on POINT

[@xvsj5833]

Bravo 👏🏻 bravo 👏🏻 bravo 👏🏻 ✌🏻🫶🏻 thank you for sharing ❤

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@earlineahonima4867]

Nothing short of phenomenal.

[@vjmusica]

Wunderbar 👍 👍

[@jameslabs1]

Passion,... always beautiful to watch. Peace and prosperity to Tiffany

[@user-ee7de5tz1f]

amazing playing

[@krazdomino4882]

❤❤❤wonderful from begin to finish. The glimpse of goodness in his ugly world

[@Kaimo1]

The best I ever heard! and I have heard many - including having played the work myself!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@piano.is.a.language]

Amazing, great as usual, Tiffany!

[@mauriliosertorelli2768]

Molto brava da ascoltare e anche da vedere sa trasmettere emozioni a tutto tondo sobria e elegante bravissima grazie

[@PaulIvers]

Thanks again DW! Tiffany, your passion for the Sonata is infused throughout this joyful, inspired performance.👋👋👋

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@margithenschelkla4480]

So great interpretation!! Thank you So much!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@denmarq]

Another performance par excellence of Schumann

[@paulkramer7844]

I am so inspired by your playing, Tiffany. After decades without practice. I played again -- only to injure my hand afterr years of practice -- and then in old age I began again, and am progressing with Brahms, Beethoven, and Mozart. I hope to play Schumann too.

[@SilvioNobre]

Beautiful! Thank you very much ✨🙏💕

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@vsu3866]

Impresionante!!! Bravooooo👏👏👏👏

[@ronl7131]

Very good Schumann vibe

[@MaidaBarnett]

With the war and all the sufferings going on, the world doesn't make sense anymore. Listening to the 3rd movement "Andantino", there is something infinitely healing from the piano notes --- some moments of comfort & hope. Thanks.

[@pamelastetor8803]

Thank You Indeed Tiffany🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@eduardoinke2943]

Long time follower and fan. Congrats!!!

[@josvahalseide221]

Fabulous! Thank you for sharing your beauty with the world! God bless us, everyone!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@annhoskinson5318]

Bravo, 👏🏻👍bravo bravo👏🏻👍 all I can say, is this the best of the best (elite). ❣️💐🎹🎶

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@astronomo16]

There is some vibration she has within that is source of a great vitality in her music, she is playing her Self from which the piano sounds. A pianist with a very well built up personality

[@hazael1945]

새벽이 다가오는데 문득 켠 유튜브에 내가 좋아하는 슈만!!!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for your comment. If possible, please comment in English next time so that more people can follow the discussion. All the best!

[@user-vr3xc9ds6m]

Foi um imenso prazer poder assistir essa maravilhosa apresentação! Tudo lindo ❤️❤️❤️

[@MLV_memories]

Wonderful!

[@corsairman1956]

Often overshadowed by the likes of Juju Wang, Khatia Buniatishvili, Valentina Lisitsa and others, Tiffany is a pure joy to watch and listen to. She has a modest air about her yet performs magnificently. BRAVO!! 🎹

[@mariainesdeandradealcantar3263]

Robert Schumann ❤ mais um mestre germânico que nos brinda com sua 🎶 🎵 encantadora e imortal.👏👏👏🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪🎼🎼🎼

[@ivanchung9853]

❤❤❤❤

[@MaidaBarnett]

Correction: "Andantino" is the 2nd movement, not 3rd. I apologize for my mistake.

[@SANMICHAELARCANGELES-kc8vi]

🩵💛 💯% DW gracias, REPÚBLICA ARGENTINA🕊️🩵

[@javiertw89]

💙🤍💙

[@franciscouderq1100]

Seeeee, your hard work and passion for music are paying off . You are there playing and they are all so absorbed by your typhoon of notes then they clapped like mad when you stop…. Encore encore encore!

[@I.amthatrealJuan]

👏👏👏

[@karlwilson1916]

Tour de force!

[@elentok2225]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💐💐💐❤️❤️❤️

[@user-vj3bu1er4s]

優しさを感じる演奏だと思います。

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for your comment. If possible, please comment in English next time so that more people can follow the discussion. All the best!

[@nic5833]

❤

[@MrPGOLIVEIRA]

Grande pianista.

[@valmondias9759]

Don't forget the like, sir/lady.

[@blscksholz]

👏

[@blankavarclova1837]

👏

[@angelonath6813]

12:05 lovely face ❤

[@pamelastetor8803]

Beauty🌹

[@user-vz4fy8uw9y]

Мне очень понравилось!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for your comment. If possible, please comment in English next time so that more people can follow the discussion. All the best!

[@user-vz4fy8uw9y]

@@DWClassicalMusic В следующий раз пишите название правильно или вообще не пишите по-украински. Сонаты для фортепиано с оркестром не существует вообще!!! Schreiben Sie das nächste Mal den Namen richtig oder schreiben Sie ihn überhaupt nicht auf Ukrainisch. Sonate für Klavier und Orchester existiert überhaupt nicht!!! Und noch etwas: Sie müssen sich für Ihre Muttersprache Deutsch nicht schämen.

[@phuchungle1327]

She's just like 1.5x speed on KZbin.

[@DouggieDinosaur]

Schumann is the patron saint of bipolar artists tortured by creative mania and self-doubt.

[@user-vc2od1wg9o]

Не подпущайти товарища до -Штайнвея....и не тока...не без иво -поклонников....

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@dklim880]

so much rushing at the 1st mvt last part, needs more control of own emotion and phase, keep going..~

[@user-ck6qt6ld1k]

sie looks like a robot that makes colorless sounds and shakes the body a lot🤖

[@clarimuette7234]

完全没有比例，虚假且华而不实。这不是音乐，只不过是一个个散落的音符罢了。

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for your comment. If possible, please comment in English next time so that more people can follow the discussion. All the best!