Robert Schumann was one of the most-regarded Romantic composers of the 19th century, having quit a career in law to pursue his talents in piano. After a hand injury he switched to composing, where he wrote piano exclusively until 1840. Carnaval was composed in 1834-35 as a 21-piece set exclusively on piano representing various Carnival goers. The subtitles represent his friends, colleagues and characters from the Italian comedia dell’arte.

The music is remarkable because it is on four notes; Carnaval was subtitled Scènes mignonnes sur quatre notes, or Little Scenes on four notes. These four notes are A, B, C and E, and Schumann hides three musical cryptograms, in german ASCH, AsCH, and SCHA, referring to the place of birth of his fiancée, the first day of Lent and his own name respectively. The most notable cryptogram is the BACH, or Bflat, A, C, B. The music itself is mostly very calming, uncrowded and aesthetically pleasant. The 4-note motif is reminiscent of Chopin’s études, and in fact Schumann dedicates one of his 21 pieces to Chopin.