This list of compositions by Robert Schumann is classified into piano, vocal, orchestral and chamber works. All works are also listed separately, by opus number. Schumann wrote almost exclusively for the piano until 1840, when he burst into song composition around the time of his marriage to Clara Wieck. Partly due to Clara Schumann's encouragement, he then expanded his oeuvre to orchestral works, composing 1st, 4th symphony, and Overture, Scherzo, and Finale Op. 52 in the year of 1841. The next year, 1842, is known as 'the year of chamber works,' where he notably composed 3 String Quartets, a Piano Quintet, and a Piano Quartet. Robert Schumann is known as one of the most prolific composers in the romantic era, producing multiple works for multiple instruments, forms, and genres (both absolute and program music). The list is based on lists of his works, such as in the 2001 biography by Eric Frederick Jensen. [1]
Number | Key | Opus | Year | Incipit |
---|---|---|---|---|
"Zwickau" | G minor | WoO 29 | 1832/33 (incomplete) | |
1 "Spring" | B♭ major | Op. 38 | 1841 | ![]() |
2 | C major | Op. 61 | 1846 | ![]() |
3 "Rhenish" | E♭ major | Op. 97 | 1850 | ![]() |
4 | D minor | Op. 120 | 1841 (revised in 1851) | ![]() |
Note that Opp. 1–23 are all written for piano solo.