R. Schumann "Children's scenes": history, content, interesting facts

R. Schumann "Children's scenes"

Robert Schumann. The name of this prominent German romantic composer, who is deservedly called a great musical poet, is inscribed in golden letters in the history of culture. With sounds, he could paint any picture so picturesquely that its images were truly recreated in the imagination of the audience. Maestro wrote his masterpieces in various genres, but his piano works, which he liked to combine into cycles, are of particular value. One of such small encyclopedias of the amazing Schumann style is the "Children's Scenes" - a journey of an adult to the touching world of childhood.

History of creation

1838 in life Schumann was quite saturated. At that time, being the author of a large number of original works, which, unfortunately, were not appreciated by everyone, he decided to move to Vienna from Leipzig for a while to start publishing his New Music Paper there. At the same time, building grandiose plans for the future, and in order to somehow distract himself from the sad thoughts that were caused by separation from his beloved Clara Vick, Robert was constantly engaged in creative work.

Thus, in the spring of that year, the piano cycle "Children's Scenes" appeared - the history of the emergence of which is clearly reflected in one of the composer's messages to his girlfriend. Robert wrote to Clara that all his thoughts are filled only with memories of her. Looking at the romantic moments of their relationship, he was inspired by her words that sometimes he acts like a child. This recalled statement instilled in the composer the idea of ​​creating a cycle, later called "Children's Scenes". Initially, he composed thirty small amusing pieces, but chose from them only thirteen. Schumann wrote to Clara that these miniatures were created not for children, but for adults, as a reminder to them of a happy carefree season. He mentioned that while working on miniatures, memorable moments constantly surfaced in his mind when he came to his teacher Friedrich Wieck eight years ago, playing with his children Klara and Alvin with enthusiasm.

The cycle "Children's Scenes" was given by the composer to the press in the Leipzig publishing house "Breitkopf and Hertel" in 1839. In a cover letter to the publisher, Schumann expressed his desire for the collection to be attractively designed, since plays that are light and accessible in content can be a good gift.

When Clara received and got acquainted with the "Children's Scenes", she perceived them as another musical recognition of Robert in her love. In response, the girl thanked her talented chosen one and sincerely admired the content of a gift that was very valuable to her.

Interesting Facts

• Clara Vic's father was against his daughter's marriage to Robert Schumann, but young people, against the will of the parents, were secretly engaged in 1837.
• Schumann composed his cycle "Children's Scenes" as a gift to his future wife, Clara Vic. Initially, the composer called the collection “Easy Pieces” and added the titles of the plays only after he finished composing the last miniature.
• Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck had eight children. The composer loved them very much and was a good father, maybe that is why in his work he paid a lot of attention to writing works for the younger generation.
• Dreams "- the play, which is numbered seven in the series" Children's Scenes ", is one of Schumann’s most famous works. Her melody is so touching that every year the choir plays for a minute of silence on the Victory Day of the Soviet people in World War II. In addition, the composition was successfully used by director Clarence Brown in the 1947 film "Song of Love", which tells how many obstacles had to be overcome by the famous pianist Clara Wik and novice composer Robert Schumann n the way to happiness.
• Of the thirty plays written by Schumann, only thirteen made up the cycle "Children's Scenes". The remaining miniatures were later included in the collections "Lists of the Album" and "Colored Leaflets."

Content

In the cycle “Children's Scenes”, thirteen miniatures of diverse character are included, in which Robert Schumann painstakingly depicted everything that happens to a person in childhood: his fun and important activities, joys and sorrows.

1. "On foreign countries and people" (Von fremden Ländern und Menschen). The play, written in G major and in a simple three-part form, is very gentle, but at the same time optimistic. A bit of sad intonation appears only in the middle section.
2. “Funny Story” (Kuriose Geschichte). The energetic, vigorous music written in D major, despite its three-part size, resembles a march of fairy-tale characters. At times a lyrical image appears, but this is not for long, like a change of mood in a child.
3. The game of stupid buffoonery "(Hasche-Mann.) Despite the minor tonality, the composition is so tremendous in character that it is perceived in one breath. It really vividly reflects the fervent play of children.
4. "The begging child" (Bittendes Kind). A very gentle and expressive melodic line picturesquely paints the one about whom it is stated in the title of the piece.
5. "Complete pleasure" (Glückes genug). The play conveys a sense of pleasure and a state of bliss from something extraordinarily good.
6. "Important Incident" (Wichtige Begebenheit). The music of a majestic character depicts some solemn event: as if the fairy-tale royal family go out to greet the citizens of their state during the holiday.
7. "Dreams" (Träumerei) This is the most popular piece from the cycle, which is very often included in the program of various concerts. Gentle and touching music has a charming impression on the audience.
8. "By the fireplace" (Am Kamin). The contemplative music of the work draws a touching picture: an adult and a child, sitting by the fireplace, are watching a merry play of flames on the burning wood.
9. "Riding a wooden horse" (Ritter vom Steckenpferd). The musical sounds of the miniature vividly convey the character of the fun that all boys love to play.
10. "Almost seriously" (Fast zu ernst). A very expressive melody, characterized by some mystery, creates a mood of calm and peace.
11. "Scare" (Fürchtenmachen). It all starts with a calm lyric theme and suddenly a contrasting episode suddenly bursts in, as if it really wants to scare someone. This is repeated several times.
12. "Falling asleep child". (Kind im Einschlummern). Melancholic melody that sounds like a lullaby, lulling a child.
13. "Poet says" (Der Dichter spricht). The poet reflects on the meaning of life and on how different judgments are in youth and in adulthood.

"Children's scenes" - this piano cycle Robert Schumannconsisting of thirteen small plays, vividly demonstrates the composer’s musical imagination at the peak of his creative maturity. These charming miniatures can be described as musical essays in which the genius of Schubert found its full expression.