Robert Schumann: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4, Manfred Overture

Featuring

Wilhelm Furtwängler
Wiener Philharmoniker
Berliner Philharmoniker
Robert Schumann

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Composition History

The 'Spring' Symphony owes its name to a verse by Böttger inscribed on the manuscript score: 'Im Tale, blüht der Frühling auf' (In the valley the spring is blossoming).

Compositional Technique

The Fourth Symphony, which Schumann renamed a 'symphonic fantasy', features a complex web of interrelated themes derived from its slow introduction, with movements designed to be played without a break.

Composer Biography

Robert Schumann, the composer, considered himself a beneficiary of the common heritage of symphonies, feeling capable of working in this 'supreme form of instrumental music' at age thirty.

Composition History

Schumann's Symphony No. 4 was initially composed in 1841 but received a cool reception at its premiere, leading the composer to withdraw and revise it ten years later.

Compositional Technique

Schumann initially gave programmatic titles to the movements of his First Symphony, such as 'The Beginning of Spring' and 'Merry Playmates', but later rejected their publication.

Composition History

Schumann's Symphony No. 1, 'Spring', was sketched in four days in January 1841, fully orchestrated by February 20, and premiered by Felix Mendelssohn on March 31.

Composer Biography

Robert Schumann was fascinated by Lord Byron's dramatic poem Manfred, which inspired him to compose incidental music for it, including the Manfred Overture.