[Beginner-friendly] Play right away! A comprehensive introduction to Schumann’s piano works
Robert Schumann, one of the leading composers of the Romantic era, left behind a wealth of piano pieces brimming with warmth.
Among his works are approachable pieces at a relatively easy level, including “Träumerei,” which is frequently used on television and in commercials.
In this article, we introduce piano pieces that capture Schumann’s distinctive character while being accessible for beginners—works on the easier end of the difficulty spectrum.
From gentle, unhurried pieces to lively, spirited ones, we’ve selected a wide range.
Find your favorite and give it a try right away!
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- Lower difficulty: Not as hard as it sounds!? Debussy’s piano pieces
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- Brahms Piano Pieces | A Curated Selection of Easier, Beginner-Friendly Works
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [Beginner-Friendly] Rachmaninoff’s Piano Pieces | A Curated Selection of Accessible Works!
- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
- Beginner-friendly: Easily playable Mendelssohn piano pieces. Recommended piano works.
[Beginner-friendly] Play it right now! A roundup of Schumann’s piano works (21–30)
Album Leaf, Op. 124 No. 6 “Lullaby”Robert Schumann
A piano collection of 20 miniatures, Album Leaves Op.
124.
No.
6, Lullaby, is a piece built from a flowing, gentle melody supported by delicate, finely moving accompaniment.
For a lullaby, the tempo feels somewhat quick and animated, but perhaps thanks to the beauty of the melody, listening to it becomes soothing and can even lull you to sleep.
Since it is a ‘lullaby,’ it’s important to shape the music so it leaves the listener feeling calm.
Try to listen closely to your own sound as you play, ensuring there are no sudden bursts or disruptions in rhythm.
Album Leaf, Op. 124-13 “Larghetto”Robert Schumann
Piece No.
13, “Larghetto,” from Album Leaves, Op.
124, is composed in a chorale style where multiple voices move in the same rhythm.
It begins with a series of powerful octaves and ends quietly with dark harmonies.
Although it sounds brilliant and difficult, if you focus on key points—aligning the vertical lines of the voices and keeping the rhythm steady where notes are tied—it is relatively approachable to play.
It also makes excellent practice for accurately grasping chords!
[Low difficulty] Play right now! A comprehensive introduction to Schumann’s piano works (31–40)
Album for the Young, Op. 68-2 “Soldiers’ March”Robert Schumann
A bright, lively piece that conjures up soldiers marching in step right before your eyes! The second piece from “Album for the Young,” Soldier’s March, is built from a succession of chords and dotted rhythms.
You may find it challenging to play all the notes of each chord together evenly, but with slow, careful practice you’ll be able to catch every note solidly.
To internalize the buoyant rhythm, it’s also recommended to incorporate clapping or tapping out the rhythm into your practice!
Three Sonatas for Children, Op. 118 No. 1 “1. Allegro” Op. 118a-1Robert Schumann
Schumann, who left behind many works with the word “child” in their titles, is known as a composer who doted on his children.
Three Sonatas for the Young, Op.
118a-1 in G major is said to have been written for his third daughter, Julie.
It is a piece whose gentle, warmly expressive melody seems to speak of deep affection.
With its relaxed tempo and relatively few notes, it is a work that even beginner pianists may find easy to play with feeling.
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 14 “Little Study”Robert Schumann
Marked in the score as “quietly and very evenly,” No.
14, “Little Study,” from Album for the Young features notes arranged with the regularity of an etude.
Yet the chord progressions carry Schumann’s characteristic softness, setting it apart from pieces meant purely for mechanical finger exercise.
To render the bright, serene harmonic flow beautifully, aligning the evenness of each note is essential.
From the reading stage onward, it’s recommended to practice at a relaxed tempo while paying close attention to proper hand form.
Album for Children, Op. 68 No. 18: “The Reaper’s Song”Robert Schumann
The 18th piece in “Album for the Young,” The Reaper’s Song, is a work in which you can feel the joy of harvest within a gently flowing melody.
It begins with a tender tune that evokes a peaceful rural landscape, moves into a powerful unison phrase, and finally brings a playful series of staccatos, as if a child were scampering about.
Because the piece lets you enjoy a variety of moods within a single track, it’s ideal to clearly differentiate each phrase as you play.
In conclusion
How was it? Once you’ve started playing the piano and can play to a certain extent, many of you probably want to tackle classical music properly.
Schumann’s works have clearly defined voices, and the noteheads and voices often switch between upper and lower parts, so when you look at the score, you might get the impression that Schumann is hard to play.
But if you study the score carefully, you’ll find many pieces are playable because the tempo is slow, for example.
So don’t be put off by how difficult they look—give them a try.
There are quite a few pieces that are easier than they appear, and once you get one under your fingers, you’ll likely find yourself able to play various other pieces too.
With Schumann in particular, it’s important not to dismiss his works without trying—approach them with a willingness to take them on.