LDV17

18 Before embarking on the composition of his quartets, Schumann studied those of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. While Clara was away on concert tours, he also had the time to examine contrapuntal and fugal techniques, notably those used by Bach. TheshadowofBeethovenisundeniablypresentinvariousaspectsoftheinspiration, for instance in the tonal relationships and the melodic motifs. More generally, the Classical influence makes itself felt in the form – the scrupulous, rather academic use of sonata form – but also in the writing of very regular themes. As for Bach, if Schumannwas also inspired by him, it’s among other reasons and above all thanks to his friend and fellow composer Mendelssohn, who had rediscovered the Kantor in the 1820s. SCHUMANN_THE 3 STRING QUARTETS OP.41