Robert Schumann | Introduction to his famous and representative works
Composer Robert Schumann, regarded as a romantic successor to Beethoven and Schubert, left works across a wide range of genres, from symphonies to choral music.
His output has so far been particularly noted for piano pieces and lieder.
Skillfully blending both Classical and Romantic styles, he produced many lyrical, romantic works unlike those of any other composer.
Here, we’ve picked out some of Schumann’s masterpieces and signature pieces.
Be sure to listen to Schumann’s works, which left a profound influence on later composers.
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Robert Schumann | Introducing Masterpieces and Signature Works (61–70)
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 18: “The Reaper’s Song”Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young, composed for his three daughters.
The 18th piece in this collection of 43 piano miniatures is a work in which one can feel the joy of harvest amid a gently flowing melody.
It begins with a tender tune that evokes a peaceful rural landscape, moves to a powerful unison phrase, and finally brings a series of cheerful staccatos, as if a child were scampering about.
Because this piece lets you enjoy a variety of moods within a single work, it’s ideal to clearly differentiate each phrase in your playing.
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 2: “Soldiers’ March”Robert Schumann
The second piece in Album for the Young is a lively march characterized by a succession of chords and dotted rhythms.
It’s a bright, spirited piece that vividly evokes soldiers marching in step.
Composed in 1848, it was written by Schumann with an educational purpose for his own children.
By practicing slowly and carefully, you’ll gain solid control over the chords.
To internalize the buoyant rhythm, it’s also recommended to incorporate rhythmic clapping into your practice.
Morning SongRobert Schumann
A collection of five piano solo pieces composed in 1853, also known as Songs of Dawn.
Written three years before Schumann’s death, it is among his final works.
By this time, Schumann was already suffering from mental illness, making the compositional process obscure.
His wife, Clara, also wrote in her diary that “the sound of this piece is exceedingly strange.”
Paradise and PellyRobert Schumann
An oratorio composed by Schumann.
Fascinated by “Paradise and the Peri” from Irish poet Thomas Moore’s collection of poems Lalla Rookh, Schumann took on the challenge of writing the libretto himself and completed it in 1842.
Though a large-scale work, it is approachable and is often performed by amateur choirs in German-speaking countries.
Album for the Young, Op. 68, No. 8: “The Brave Knight”Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann, a composer who epitomizes German Romanticism, may seem daunting—especially his piano pieces.
However, there are certainly works that are well-suited for recitals.
Known in Japanese as both “The Boisterous Knight” and “The Brave Knight,” this short piece follows a ternary (ABA) form, offering the drama of well-crafted musical development—such as modulation in the middle section—and a melody characteristic of the Romantic era.
Technically, it isn’t overly difficult, making it a very approachable choice.
Pay attention to the 6/8 meter and the continuous triplets, and aim for a powerful performance that doesn’t become too rough.
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 No. 7 “Träumerei”Robert Schumann
Scenes from Childhood by Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the German Romantic era, is one of his most famous piano works.
The piece introduced here is the especially well-known No.
7, “Träumerei.” Rather than technical virtuosity, this is a work that emphasizes delicate expressiveness, and—as the title suggests—it has a dreamy, gentle atmosphere.
Even on a sweltering summer night when you can’t fall asleep, listening to this piece like a lullaby might help you drift off.
As an aside, despite the title referring to “children,” it isn’t a work for children; it’s more like “scenes from childhood” viewed from an adult perspective.
If you play the piano, you might, like Franz Liszt—who praised Scenes from Childhood—play it for your daughter, but why not also try playing it for yourself as you reminisce about your own childhood?
Toccata in C major, Op. 7Robert Schumann
Famed as one of Schumann’s most difficult pieces, the Toccata in C major, Op.
7.
In Japanese, “toccata” carries the sense of “touch,” and it seems Schumann conceived it as an improvisatory piece that also serves as a warm-up for performers.
However, this work is by no means easy.
On the contrary, it ranks among the most challenging in Schumann’s output.
In pursuit of maximum virtuosic impact, it contains a great many treacherous passages, and both the first and second themes demand highly advanced technique.
