Considered one of Schumann's finest piano works, Humoreske was written during his stay in Vienna from 1838 to 1839. His "Arabeske," Op. 18, and "Blumenstück" (Flower Piece), Op. 19, also date from this period.

Humoreske (Humoresque) refers to a state where various emotions, such as joy, sorrow, laughter, and tears, intersect. Schumann himself described it as "a skillful fusion of the emotional and the intellectual, peculiar to Germans."

This piece consists of many sections but is performed without interruption, undergoing successive changes in mood. It is broadly divided into five parts.

First Part:

Begins in B-flat major, 4/4 time, marked "Einfach" (Simply). The tempo gradually quickens to 2/4 time, marked "Sehr rasch und leicht" (Very fast and light), elevating the mood. As it transitions to the second musical idea and then back to the opening idea, the music quiets down, concluding in 2/4 time.

Second Part:

In G minor, 2/4 time, it begins "Hastig" (Impetuously), proceeding with prominent inner voices. The high notes progress lightly "Wie ausser Tempo" (As if out of tempo). It becomes "Immer schneller" (Always faster) and "Immer stärker" (Always stronger), but soon diminishes, reaching an Adagio in B-flat major.

Third Part:

An aria-like melody, played "Einfach und zart" (Simply and tenderly), is charming. Contrapuntal writing is employed, and a pressing middle section follows shortly. After that, it returns to the initial melody.

Fourth Part:

A short musical idea, sung "Innigkeit" (Intimately) in B-flat major, is repeated, leading to the Fifth Part.

Fifth Part:

Shows a varied development, oscillating between G minor and B-flat major. It is played "Sehr lebhaft" (Very lively), and after creating tension with a stretto, it is performed "Mit einigem Pomp" (With some pomp). The piece concludes in B-flat major, embodying the "fusion of the emotional and the intellectual."