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 (71–80)
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15-13 “The Poet Speaks”Robert Schumann
No.
13, “The Poet Speaks,” from Scenes from Childhood, is a piece that maintains a gentle, calm atmosphere throughout.
It feels warm, as if a poet were speaking tenderly to children.
The music proceeds at a very relaxed tempo, and at one point the barlines are not written according to the meter.
This is a section meant to be played freely, almost improvisationally! Rather than simply lining up the notes, try playing while thinking, “If I play it like this, can I bring out the feeling of a poet speaking at ease?” Approaching it this way will deepen your affection for the piece.
Op. 68, No. 4 (Chorale)Robert Schumann
This is Chorale No.
4 from Album for the Young, Op.
68, composed by the German Romantic composer Robert Schumann.
Robert Schumann wrote piano pieces that can be regarded as suitable for education and the home, and Chorale No.
4, Op.
68 is one of them.
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.
Robert Schumann | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (81–90)
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 10 “The Happy Farmer”Robert Schumann
The 10th piece, “The Merry Peasant,” from Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young—a collection of 43 piano miniatures composed and completed in just two weeks—is among the most well-known works in the set.
The key point is that the melody stays in the left hand throughout! When the melodic notes are held, the right hand interjects with rhythmic figures, almost like call-and-response.
At first, you may find it difficult to play the left hand smoothly, but once you get it, the cheerful melody and the right hand’s rhythmic phrases create an irresistibly pleasant feel.
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 16: “First Sorrow”Robert Schumann
No.
16, “First Sorrow,” from Album for the Young, evokes a poignant scene where quiet tears fall one by one.
As if catching the right hand’s melancholic melody, the left hand interjects with gentle responses, and the music flows smoothly forward.
It closes with a striking phrase of chords.
If you can convey both a quiet sadness and a sadness tinged with anger within this short piece, the result will be a step above.
Try relating it to your own experiences—like “This happened, and it made me sad”—to make expressing the emotions easier.
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.
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!