Album insights
Schumann, a notably open-hearted composer, expressed his deepest emotions through his songs during the prolific song year of 1840. Many of these songs were essentially love letters to Clara Wieck, whom he had secretly engaged before her 18th birthday in September 1837. His songwriting allowed him to convey openly his fears, desires, passion, devotion, and the pain of their separation due to her father's opposition to their marriage.
In a letter to Clara in February 1840, Schumann expressed the joy of composing songs specifically for her. During this period, he created significant works such as the Heine Liederkreis op. 24 and most of the Myrthen anthology. His burst of creativity lasted until May, marked by the creation of his two greatest cycles: the Eichendorff Liederkreis op. 39 and Dichterliebe, drawing inspiration from Heinrich Heine's poetry.
Heine's poetic verses sparked an instinctive response in Schumann, whose cycle depicts the stages of love, from its awakening to the final bittersweet acceptance. The cycle portrays Schumann's intense emotions during his courtship of Clara.
One of Schumann's poignant songs, "Im wunderschönen Monat Mai," captures the essence of unfulfilled love and renewed desires. Through various songs in the cycle, Schumann skillfully weaves together melodies that depict a range of emotional nuances, reflecting his deep feelings for Clara.
Originally planned to contain twenty songs, "Dichterliebe" underwent alterations before its publication in 1844. Schumann discarded four songs deemed incompatible with the essence of the cycle focused on memories and desires. The excluded pieces carried darker tones, contrasting with the overarching themes of love and longing.
Schumann's musical repertoire in 1840 included lyrical miniatures inspired by Heine's poetry, showcasing his versatility in composing both intimate songs and dramatic ballades. He ventured into portraying vivid scenes and nuanced emotions through his compositions, capturing the essence of various stories and moods.