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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Myrthen (Song Cycle)Robert Schumann
Myrthen is the first set of songs composed by Schumann, a song cycle consisting of 26 pieces.
The texts are by various poets, including Goethe and Rückert.
The cycle was dedicated to his wife, Clara, and in 1840—the year of its composition—Schumann and Clara were married.
Flower Song in D-flat majorRobert Schumann
A work composed under the influence of the literature of the German writer Jean Paul.
It is a piece where literature and music are fused, overflowing with Schumann’s distinctive emotion and sentimentality.
It is said that his wife, Clara, continued to use this piece as an encore in her concerts even after Schumann’s death.
Three Sonatas for Children, Op. 11 No. 1 “II. Theme and Variations” Op. 118a-2Robert Schumann
Brimming with warmth, this charming theme-and-variations piece is an educational work Schumann composed with affection for his daughters.
It is the second movement extracted from the First of the Three Sonatas for Children, published in 1853, unfolding from a gentle theme into a range of contrasting expressions.
Because the variations broaden the scope of musical expression, it is recommended for those who wish to cultivate a rich sensibility.
It begins at a relaxed tempo and contains few technically challenging passages, making it approachable even for first-time learners eager to try classical piano.
While savoring the Schumann-esque poetic world, you can discover the beauty and depth of variation form in this single work.
Carnival Jest from Vienna, Op. 26 No. 1 “Allegro”Robert Schumann
Carnival Jest from Vienna, Op.
26 is a solo piano work composed in Vienna in 1839 by Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the German Romantic movement in the 19th century.
Consisting of five movements, the first piece, Allegro, captivates with its innovative rhythms and unexpected melodies.
Schumann vividly portrays the bustle and splendor of the Viennese carnival through his uniquely poetic expression.
This piece tests both technique and expressive range, making it a guaranteed showstopper at recitals.
It’s a perfect choice for those who want to evoke the carnival atmosphere through the piano’s timbre.
Scene of the ForestRobert Schumann
A collection of nine solo piano pieces.
It was composed under the inspiration of the German poet Heinrich Laube’s poetry collection The Hunting Diary.
At the time, each piece was accompanied by one of Laube’s poems, but from the fourth piece onward they were omitted upon publication.
Throughout the work, various scenes of the forest are depicted.
Three Fantasy Pieces, Op. 111Robert Schumann
This is a collection of three piano solo pieces.
At the end of the first and second pieces there is an attacca indication, so the three pieces are performed without a break.
Each piece has a distinct character and a variety of expressions, making it a work in which one can fully savor Schumann’s appeal.
Konzertstück for Four Horns and OrchestraRobert Schumann
Composed in 1849, this work for four horns and orchestra is sometimes translated as “Concert Piece.” It demands an extremely wide range from the four horns and employs virtuoso techniques.
Due to its extreme difficulty, some have even suggested that Schumann might have disliked the horn.