“Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17” is a piano composition in three movements by German composer Robert Schumann, written in 1836. Considered a masterpiece of the Romantic piano repertoire, the “Fantasie” is Richard’s favorite piece, and he has played it at various key points throughout his life. Only when Karina heard Richard playing it at the Curtis Institute of Music did she begin to fall in love with him. The “Fantasie” is also the work that Richard performs during the concert described in the Prologue.

When Richard opts to be removed from the ventilator, Karina selects a recording of Richard performing this piece to play on her phone in that pivotal and potentially fatal moment. As she does so, Richard reflects on his sense of identification with the composer, who wrote the piece as a tribute to Clara Wieck, whom he later married. Similarly, Richard hopes that Karina will sense his gratitude and apology through the piece. Overall, the significant role this piece has in the novel works to highlight The Transformative Power of Music, including its ability to communicate feelings that cannot easily be captured in words.