Schumann · Robert Schumann
Schumann Symphony No. 2 in C major
A symphony written in poor health that triumphs over darkness
- Key
- C major
- Composed
- 1846
- Premiere
- 1846 Leipzig
- Duration
- About 38 min
- Movements
- 4 movements
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 · Brass 2·2·3·0 · Timpani · Strings
The story behind this piece
Schumann sketched this piece in December 1845, but illness, including depression, headaches, and ringing in his ears, meant it took nearly a year to finish. He had just been studying Bach intensively with Clara, so Bach-style counterpoint shows up throughout the piece.
It was premiered in Leipzig on November 5, 1846, conducted by Mendelssohn. Although published as No. 2, it was actually the third symphony Schumann completed. Because it passes through a dark period and ends in the bright triumph of C major, it is often heard as a story of overcoming illness.
What to listen for
- Introduction to the first movement: the brass quietly present a chorale-like motif while the strings weave in Bach-like lines beneath it. This brass motif returns all the way to the end of the piece.
- Fourth movement: in the powerful C-major finale, the brass motif from the first movement rings out loudly once more to close the piece.
Listen · Score
- Hear the full piece on YouTube · hr-Sinfonieorchester · Marek Janowski
- Free scores on IMSLP (full score and parts)
Credits