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 famous and representative works (101–110)
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 97 “Rhenish”Robert Schumann
Composed in 1850.
Although it is numbered No.
3, the “Rhenish” was the last of the four symphonies to be written.
Schumann was 40 years old and had moved to Düsseldorf.
It is said that the work was inspired by life along the Rhine River there.
The lively melody of the first movement lifts the listener’s spirits.
Etude in the Form of Variations, Op. 13 — Posthumous No. 5Robert Schumann
Symphonic Etudes by Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the 19th-century German Romantic movement.
Although written for solo piano, it is distinguished by a rich sonority reminiscent of an orchestra.
It consists of a theme with twelve variations, plus five pieces known as the “posthumous” variations.
The piece introduced here is the fifth of those posthumous pieces.
Its sparkling melody and beautiful resonance are truly captivating.
Listening to this piece alone can be very soothing, but hearing the entire work may give you a deeper sense of the richness of piano music.
If you’re intrigued, please give it a listen.
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 10: The Happy FarmerRobert Schumann
This is a piece included in Schumann’s Album for the Young.
As the title suggests, it should be played lively and cheerfully.
It is the best-known piece in the collection, and its original title is said to have been “The Merry Farmer, Returning from Work.”
Album for the Young, Op. 68: No. 1 “Melody”Robert Schumann
The first piece, “Melody,” from Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young, Op.
68—by a composer who represents the German Romantic movement—is a work noted for its simple, lyrical atmosphere.
At only 20 measures long and with frequent repetitions, it is often performed as a practice piece or recital piece by beginning pianists.
Although the notes are very simple, the left-hand accompaniment moves continuously in eighth notes, so care should be taken with the volume balance against the right-hand melody.
Play with attention to ensure the melody is not overshadowed by the accompaniment.
Album for the Young, Op. 68: No. 2 “Soldiers’ March”Robert Schumann
This piece is “Soldiers’ March,” No.
2 from Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young, composed in 1848.
Its bright, lively melody and energetic rhythm make it a captivating favorite that grabs the hearts of spirited children.
To convey the bold, martial character on the piano, clearly and accurately articulate the dotted rhythms, keeping a steady tempo with crisp execution.
Additionally, by carefully observing the indicated dynamics, you can shape the music into an even more vivid and expressive performance.
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15Robert Schumann
A representative composer of the German Romantic school is Schumann.
He wrote music for a wide range of ensembles, from symphonies to instrumental works, but his piano pieces are especially famous.
The idea of rendering scenes as a child perceives them directly into music is a quintessentially Romantic conception.
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15, No. 7 “Träumerei”Robert Schumann
‘Träumerei’ composed by Robert Schumann.
It is the seventh piece in his collection Scenes from Childhood, Op.
15, written as a piano work for adults that depicts a child’s heart.
Its soothing, dreamlike, and beautiful melody evokes the innocent world of childhood.
Beyond the piano, it is performed on various instruments such as violin, cello, and flute, and is loved by many people, not just classical music fans.
Scenes from Childhood No. 7 “Träumerei”Robert Schumann
A masterpiece by Robert Schumann where gentle beauty melds with deep emotion.
Among the piano miniatures of Scenes from Childhood, which depict a child’s pure heart from an adult perspective, Träumerei is especially famous.
Composed in 1838 and published in February of the following year, it is a challenging piece that, despite its simple structure, demands complex harmonic progressions and a delicate touch.
Its fame is considerable—for instance, an orchestral arrangement was used in both the opening and ending of the film “Exchange Students” (Tenkōsei).
With its dreamlike atmosphere and moments of soothing calm, this work gently supports children taking their first steps forward.
Dreaming (Träumerei) from Scenes from ChildhoodRobert Schumann
Speaking of Robert Schumann, he is a composer who represents the so-called German Romantic school and left numerous works across a wide range of genres.
Among Schumann’s works, his songs and piano pieces are especially highly regarded, and Scenes from Childhood, which we are introducing here, is one of them.
Of the collection’s thirteen pieces, the most famous is the seventh, Träumerei.
Many people seem to remember hearing this piece played after school in elementary school.
As its title suggests, it is a beautiful work with a dreamy atmosphere that brings a sense of calm.
According to Schumann himself, this piece is “a work for adults depicting a child’s world.” Why not let its nostalgic melody be your background music as you drift into thought on an autumn evening?
Fantasiestücke, Op. 12: No. 2 “Flying”Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann’s masterpiece “Fantasiestücke, Op.
12 No.
2: Aufschwung (Soaring).” It’s a piece you often hear at piano recitals, so many of you may already know it.
The real highlight of this work is, above all, the presence of the left hand.
Rather than a washed-out accompaniment, the low register must be played so that the sound doesn’t become muddy, supported by precise pedal work.
In addition, from measure 17 onward, the right hand presents challenges for players with smaller hands.
Although the technical level is around intermediate, it’s a highly effective and impressive piece to listen to, so be sure to check it out.
