Innigkeit
German composer
Definition
Inwardness, deep sincerity of feeling. A cornerstone of Schumann's lyrical style, calling for playing that feels intensely personal rather than publicly projected.
Interpretive Guidance
Innigkeit requires a slightly withdrawn tone — warm but not brilliant, intimate rather than declamatory. Play as though thinking aloud rather than performing. Avoid over-pedalling, which can blur the inner voices that carry much of the expressive weight.