Dutkanicz - First Book of Schumann: 32 Arrangements for the Beginning Pianist

This is the first of 13 childhood reminisces composed by Schumann. They were called Scenes from Childhood (Kinderszenen). He had eight children of his own, and wrote many pieces for them and about them.

Andante means at a walking pace. Notice how the melody walks from a high G down to a middle G. Pay attention to the sharps that turn the directions of this stroll.

With so many children, Clara and Robert Schumann had much practice putting them to bed. Schumann creates a lulling effect with a repeated passage in the right hand known as an ostinato . This piece ends on a peaceful, eye-shutting major chord.

The title means dream and it is the best-known work from this collection. Play it in a sweet and dreamy manner, without rushing. Keep the melody light, and swell the dynamics.

This is the finale of Scenes from Childhood . Schumann as a grown-up poet, is saying goodbye to his childhood. Before playing, look over the grown-up accidentals in the music.

The forest has always been a magical place where many fairy tales have been set. Schumann was inspired by the woods, and wrote a collection of pieces called Forest Scenes . Picture a storybook background when playing the swaying melody.

In the past, the hunt was announced with a bugle call. This would gather the hunters at the edge of the forest and alert others for safety. Play the melody brightly, just like a bugle or trumpet.

Schumann wrote a short sonata for three of his daughters. He would give them piano lessons and compose pieces tailored to each. This one was dedicated to Julie.

This sprightly piece is based on a fictional musician named Johannes Kreisler. He was a character created by novelist E.T.A. Hoffmanthe author of the Nutcracker story. Schumann himself was an aspiring writer before he became a composer.

This may be the first time youve seen a time signature, but dont be nervous. Its simply a melody that is three beats plus four. Follow the dashed lines when counting and youll be able to subdivide the measures easily.

The composer Chopin was a friend of Schumanns, and this piece was written in his style to honor him. Interpret the section marked freely in any speed you like. Just return back to the original at a tempo.

Schumann wrote this charming work for his future wife, who just happened to be his piano teachers daughter. Follow the angled lines to keep track of the pulse as it moves from right hand to left. Hint: first play the right hand without ties to feel the proper rhythm.

The title of this lively piece means German Waltz. Dances in this style were played at parties and masquerades where everyone joined in. Keep the tempo lively and toe-tapping.

Schumann created a half-imaginary musical society known as the League of David. Most of the works in Carnaval are portraits of its members. This piece was dedicated to them, as they marched off to battle their own half-imaginary Goliaths.

The title of this piece means Poor Peter and is the setting of a Heinrich Heine poem. It tells the sad story of a boy walking through a village, disappointed over his lost love. Keep the mood pastoral and melancholic.