>1. Who wrote it, when?

I'm going with Schumann

>2. Which interpretation do you like the best?

Definitely #2, much more emotion, much less mechanical.

>3. Why or why not does the melody speak to you?

Still easily identifiable, despite the tumultuous accompaniment.

>4. Is melody even that important or necessary nowadays?

Yes, even if it is buried in a harmonic wash, it still should be there.
Compose the melody first, the harmony will follow.

>5. What are your all time favorite melodies?

Elgar - Var. IX 'Nimrod'

Charles Smith