Robert Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor - the only one he completed - has long been considered a staple of modern piano repertoire.
In many ways, it serves as a bridge between the forms and styles used by Beethoven and Brahms. Although demanding for the pianist, it is distinct from the "virtuoso concerto" style embraced by Hummel, Chopin, and Liszt (and Paganini, on violin). Instead, it relies on lyricism and mood and treats both the soloist and orchestra as equal partners in bringing the thematic material to life.
In many ways, it serves as a bridge between the forms and styles used by Beethoven and Brahms. Although demanding for the pianist, it is distinct from the "virtuoso concerto" style embraced by Hummel, Chopin, and Liszt (and Paganini, on violin). Instead, it relies on lyricism and mood and treats both the soloist and orchestra as equal partners in bringing the thematic material to life.
