Romantic Rêverie: Grace in the Heart of 19th-Century Piano Poetry
“To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts—such is the duty of an artist.” —Robert Schumann
I’m deeply in love!
If you’ve heard me play—or know anything about me—you probably already know: I’m deeply in love with Romantic-era music. There’s something about its emotional depth, its sweeping lyricism, and its fearless vulnerability that feels like home to me.
Story through Sound
This week, I’ve been immersed in three of my favorite Romantic works as I prepare for An Evening of Grace in New York City. Though written by composers with vastly different personalities and styles, these pieces create a vivid arc—a kind of story through sound—where light and shadow, angst and calm, longing and peace coexist in harmony.
Chopin’s Nouvelle Étude no. 1
Frédéric Chopin was truly a poet at the piano, and this étude is proof. Though it’s one of his lesser-known gems, it sparkles with rhythmic charm and harmonies that feel almost improvised. It dances—but never carelessly—inviting me to explore a curious, imaginative journey with every phrase. Chopin expresses grace and wit here, a kind of tenderness that never feels fragile, and a quiet strength that speaks volumes. His body of work may be smaller than some of his contemporaries’, but the weight of his contribution is timeless—and profoundly felt.
Schumann’s Aufschwung ("Soaring")
This piece is like a gust of wind filled with emotion. The title means “soaring,” and you feel it immediately—from the stormy opening chords to the unexpectedly tender lyrical middle section—like a sudden memory floating in—Robert Schumann takes us on a very personal flight. He was known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, and I love how Aufschwung is no exception. It lets me explore both expressive passion and reflection in the same piece. It’s a little like reading someone’s journal—honest, raw, and full of feeling—with permission, of course!
Beauty Can Be Powerful, Even in its Most Delicate Form
Liszt’s Consolation no. 3
This is perhaps one of the most peaceful and delicate works I’ve ever played. It’s quite hard to believe a Franz Liszt piece described as peaceful and delicate! Written later in life, Liszt’s Consolation no. 3 reflects a deep reflection and maturity you can hear. After the very emotional and dramatic turbulence of Chopin and Schumann, this piece feels like a deep breath or gentle exhale—a moment of stillness and pure serenity. I like to think of it as a quiet prayer, or maybe even a sweet and deeply felt lullaby for the soul. It is a reminder that beauty can be powerful, even in its most delicate form.
🎵 Grace’s Note 🎹
What I love most about Romantic music is how personal it is. These composers weren’t afraid to write straight from the heart—and they invite the performer to do the same. I am immensely grateful for their brilliance, discipline, and incredible devotion to the music! Playing these pieces feels like stepping into a secret space, candle in hand, walking through someone else’s dream. It’s a gift and an honor to interpret such honest, elegant, and deeply human music.
Chopin once said, “Simplicity is the final achievement. After having gone through all the difficulties, having played an endless number of notes, it is simplicity that matters, with all its charm.” That idea inspires me daily. As I continue this journey, I hope to embody that refined simplicity—one note, one phrase, one heartfelt moment at a time.
Thank you for joining me in this beautiful season of reflection—or rêverie, experience, and discovery.
With love + gratitude,
Grace 🩷🎶
The Grace Notes Digest
For seasonal updates, sign up for The Grace Notes Digest: Piano, Praise, Performance
