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 (91–100)
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. 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.
Robert Schumann | Introducing famous and representative works (101–110)
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.
Album for the Young, Op. 68, No. 8: The Brave RiderRobert Schumann
Let me introduce No.
8, “The Brave Rider,” from Album for the Young, a collection of 43 short piano pieces composed by Robert Schumann, a German composer representative of the Romantic era.
Also known in Japanese as “The Rough Rider,” this piece lasts less than a minute yet features a characteristically Romantic melody that combines vigor with refinement, and a ternary form whose middle section modulates to F major for a rather dramatic turn.
The original title is said to have been “The Rocking-Horse Rider,” so don’t let the Japanese title lead you into playing too roughly; aim to shape the expression while constantly keeping the 6/8 meter and triplet feel in mind during performance.
Arabesque, Op. 18Robert Schumann
Arabesques have been composed by many different pianists.
Schumann’s Arabeske, Op.
18, is one of these arabesque works.
The soft and elegant Op.
18 is so beautiful it feels as if the aurora were spreading out before your eyes.
Its light, flowing melody and its calm, unhurried melodic lines bring about a gentle, peaceful moment.
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.”
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.