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 (81–90)
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 No. 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.
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 No. 1: ‘Of Foreign Lands and Peoples’Robert Schumann
The first piece, ‘Of Foreign Lands and Peoples,’ from Robert Schumann’s piano collection Scenes from Childhood—works he described as “pieces for adults depicting a child’s world.” There is an anecdote that his contemporary, composer Franz Liszt, said of this piece, “My daughter begs me to play it because she’s so fond of it.” The first piece is also known by titles such as “From a Foreign Land,” and it’s popular as a recital piece.
Its gently flowing melody is beautiful, so once you’re comfortable with it, try practicing effective pedal usage as well.
Arabesque in C major, Op. 18Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the German Romantic era, left many beautiful piano pieces for children and young players.
Composed in 1839 when Schumann was 29, his Arabesque in C major, Op.
18, is one such work and an excellent choice for a middle school recital.
The piece is notable for its delicate melody and dreamy atmosphere.
Technically, the key is maintaining a balanced relationship between the right-hand melody and the left-hand accompaniment.
When performing, carefully control your finger movements and convey the gentleness and lyricism that unfold throughout the piece.
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!
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.
Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129Robert Schumann
It is Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto in A minor, Op.
129.
It consists of three movements: I.
Nicht zu schnell, II.
Langsam, and III.
Sehr lebhaft.
Although there are relatively few cello concertos, this one stands out for its structure, in which all movements are performed without a break, and it is a work frequently chosen by cellists.
Robert Schumann | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (91–100)
German-style waltzRobert Schumann
At the time Schumann composed this piece, he had feelings for a woman named Ernestine.
He came up with the idea of mapping the place name “Asch” in Bohemia—Ernestine’s birthplace—to musical notes and composing based on that motif.
Carnaval is a puzzle-like work built around this motif.
It consists of 20 pieces, each with its own title, performed in succession.
The sixteenth piece, this one, is an elegant yet dynamic waltz that begins with the “Asch” motif.
In the middle section, Paganini makes an appearance, and, true to the name, the piece demands virtuosic technique.
