Robert Schumann: Six Intermezzi, Op. 6

These are character pieces based on the tradition of "New Romanticism." Unlike Opus 5, their titles are not individualistic but follow traditional genre names. Regarding this Opus 6, Robert Schumann poetically expressed in the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik (New Journal of Music) on September 12, 1837, that it is "like charming, contemplatively pleasing buds before they brilliantly unfold their colorful petals, containing within themselves all that is future."

• No. 1: Toccatinas in A minor. It proceeds briskly at Presto. The middle section sings passionately in the parallel major, A major.
• No. 2: Nocturne in F major. This piece, full of tenderness, shows the influence of Chopin and John Field. It seems to have inspired Robert's Novelette No. 8, "Stimme aus der Ferne" (Voice from Afar).
• No. 3: Polonaise in G minor. While Polish in character, it was likely inspired by the Polish elements stylized by Chopin.
• No. 4: Ballade in D minor. This is a highly expressive piece. It is said that Chopin was the first to adapt this literary genre, the "ballade," to instrumental music – specifically with his Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23, published in the same year as this work, 1836. Here too, the influence of Chopin seems undeniable.
• No. 5: Mazurka in G major. This piece is characterized by its lively rhythm. Its opening is directly quoted by Robert Schumann in the first piece of Davidsbündlertänze (Dances of the League of David). It opens with the "Clara Wieck Motto" in the left hand, and the piece develops by transforming this motto.
• No. 6: Polonaise in A minor. The collection concludes with this rhythmic Polonaise.