‘The most passionate thing I have ever composed – a deep lament for you’ was Schumann’s own description of the Phantasie in C major, in a letter to Clara Wieck during a period of enforced separation. Modelled on two Beethoven sonatas, the Phantasie is a complex work of wide emotional range. The Symphonic Etudes are a dazzling exploration of the ‘symphonic’ possibilities of the instrument. One of Schumann’s most experimental works, with unexpected tonal colours that look forward to Debussy and a driving intensity worthy of Beethoven, they are one of the masterpieces of romantic piano repertoire.