Page 169 - (DK) The Classical Music Book - Big Ideas Simply Explained

ROMANTIC 1810–1920 167

See also: “Eroica” Symphony 136–139 ■ Die schöne Müllerin 148–153 ■
Symphonie fantastique 162–163 ■ Faust Symphony 176–177

a visit to Vienna after Schubert’s
death. Schumann took a copy of the
manuscript back to Leipzig, where
Felix Mendelssohn conducted its
premiere in 1839.
Nothing right in art can While Beethoven’s works
be accomplished focused on an intense musical
without enthusiasm. argument and inner drive, Schubert
Robert Schumann approached the form as a more
gentle and discursive structure,
reminiscent of the romantic novels Robert Schumann
of the period. In Schubert’s Ninth
Symphony, unexpected and Born in the Saxon city of
nontraditional keys are used to Zwickau (now part of
produce a greater range of moods. Germany) in 1810, Schumann
works include Hector Berlioz’s Taking some 55 minutes to began composing music as a
Symphonie fantastique, Franz perform, a long work for the period, young boy. No less interested
Liszt’s Faust Symphony, and Robert the piece extends many traditional in literature, he wrote a
Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, features of the symphony, such as number of youthful novels
known as the “Spring” Symphony. the introduction to the first before heading to Leipzig to
movement (almost a complete study law. Schumann gave up
Schubert’s influence sonata in itself) and the numerous his studies in order to become
At the same time that Beethoven thematic elements in the last. a concert pianist, but a hand
was writing his last symphony, injury prevented him from
achieving his goal. Instead,
Schubert was also working on his Taking up the baton he focused on composition and
mature works in the genre. In 1822, It was only after hearing Schubert’s musical criticism, becoming
he started on his Ninth Symphony, Ninth Symphony that Robert editor of the New Journal for
now known as the “Great C Major” Schumann was inspired to begin Music, through which he
Symphony. Unperformed in his working on his own first symphony, introduced the world to the
lifetime, it was discovered by in 1841. Until then, he had mainly music of Chopin and Brahms.
Schubert’s friend Schumann, on been known as a composer of His novel piano works, often
piano pieces. For the most part inspired by literature, quickly
eschewing large-scale works, he became popular. After
had concentrated on collections or marrying Clara Wieck, a
cycles of smaller pieces, cementing famous pianist herself, he
his reputation as a miniaturist. began to concentrate on other
As such, writing a symphony was musical genres. His last years
a new challenge for Schumann. were plagued with mental
illness, and he died in an
Extraordinarily, he sketched the asylum in 1856.
whole work in just four days.
Five weeks later, the fully
Other key works
orchestrated work premiered in ❯❯
1838 Kreisleriana, Op. 16
Schumann’s wife, Clara, was the 1840 Dichterliebe, Op. 48
daughter of his first piano instructor, 1845 Piano Concerto in
Friedrich Wieck. Both Clara and her A minor, Op. 54
father were celebrated for their skills 1850 Symphony No. 3, Op. 97
on the keyboard.

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