Robert Schumann wrote this intriguing set of 12 pieces over a period of several years, between the ages of 19 and 21. The English translation of the word 'papillons' means 'butterflies', yet it was the closing 'Ball Scene' from a fancy costume ball at a carnival in one of Schumann's favorite novels, Flegeljahre (Years of Indiscretion), by 'Jean Paul' that actually suggested and inspired this playful series of sketches.