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)
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!
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.
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!
Robert Schumann | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (91–100)
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.