4 Pièces caractéristiques (Clara Schumann)
4 Pièces caractéristiques by Clara Schumann was composed between 1834 and 1836, and published in 1836. The entire work is labeled as opus 5, and is written for solo piano. The pieces are as follows. This piece was performed frequently by Clara, especially during her early career. Chopin heard her perform this piece, along with her op. 6 and op. 7, and he left with a copy of the score for the op. 5, “over which he had declared himself especially enchanted and enthusiastic—and leaving a page for her album behind him. Anyone who  looks at this Op. 5 more closely will easily be convinced by the lively opening and the beautiful elegiac middle movement, that Chopin’s praise by no means sprang from mere gallantry.” The "Pièces caractéristiques" were recorded by Jozef De Beenhouwer for the Classic Produktion Osnabrück label in 2001 as part of "Clara Schumann: Complete Piano Works" (cpo 9997582)