Schumann and something else

[justapianoplayer123]

Hi everyone!
   I did a previous post about Tchaikovsky. I have a similar question except about Schumann. Does anybody know any pieces that are good for an introduction to Schumann?
I am sorry about posting two posts really close to each other.
Thank you,
      JustAPianoPlayer
Honestly, I am just trying to expand my repertoire to new composers. Preferably in the romantic area and not Chopin or Liszt.

[visitor]

I'm taking away any points you earned with the Tchaikovsky post.
You were off to such a great start then you brought up Bobby , blegh!

[samwitdangol]

My first piece by Schumann was Papillons, Op. 2. I think it is a great introduction to Schumann.

[justapianoplayer123]

Thanks so much samwitdangol!

[pianoannieq]

Hi Justapianoplayer,

His Abegg Variations (op.1) and Papillons (op.2) are around the same difficulty as the pieces you mentioned in your Tchaikovsky post. Fantasiestücke is a really nice set and they're not too hard so you could probably see which ones you like from there :)

[musikalischer_wirbelwind_280]

You could have a go at his Album Leaves Op.124 and the Kinderscenen Op.15; the latter have much more to offer than just the Träumerei, which almost everyone knows. Perhaps a couple of the Davidsbündler and the Bunte Blätter, as well.

[achoo42]

I'm taking away any points you earned with the Tchaikovsky post.
You were off to such a great start then you brought up Bobby , blegh!

This is a hilariously ironic post because Schumann was BY FAR Tchaikovsky's favorite piano composer. Tchaikovsky's own Piano Sonata shows almost an outlandish obsession with Schumann and Tchaikovsky orchestrated a number of Schumann's solo pieces.

From the Tchaikovsky Research Net:

https://en.tchaikovsky-research.net/pages/Robert_Schumann

[achoo42]

As for the main topic, I suggest you start with Schumann's Fantasy, the Symphonic Etudes, the 1st Sonata, and 2nd Sonata.

Or if you'd like something lighter you would want the Op.1, Op.2, Op.15, Op.18, Op.82, or Op.99.

A really beautiful Schumann set that is rarely played is the Romanzen Op.28.

[illystraiter]

I love Schumann! He is my favorite composer who came after Bach. I love everything that he wrote, so I'll list a few favorites. I don't know what level you are, so I am listing regardless of level (some of these, for example the Sonata and the Symphonic Etudes, are quite hard!)
- Abegg Variations, Op.1
- Papillons, Op. 2
- Impromptus, Op. 5 (rarely played but quite beautiful!)
- Carnaval, Op. 9
- Sonata in F-sharp minor, Op. 11
- Fantasiestücke, Op. 12 (specifically Des Abends and Aufschwung)
- Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13
- Kinderszenen, Op. 15
- Arabeske, Op. 18
- Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26 (specifically the Intermezzo)
- Waldzenen, Op. 82
- Gesänge der Frühe, Op. 133
Well... that's more than just a few. There is a lot more to explore, but any of these is a good starting point. To me, Schumann's music is the most instantly captivating, and it leaves the greatest impression on me. I found that I only needed to listen to a piece once to catch myself humming it weeks later. This rarely happens with other composers. Best of luck on your journey with Schumann!