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Schumann · Robert Schumann

Schumann Symphony No. 4 in D minor

"No. 4," reborn after ten years in a drawer

Key
D minor
Composed
1851
Duration
about 30 min
Movements
4 movements
Instrumentation
Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 · Brass 4·2·3·0 · Timpani · Strings

The story behind this piece

This piece was actually the second symphony Schumann wrote, in 1841, right after the "Spring" Symphony. It was premiered that December at the Leipzig Gewandhaus, conducted by Ferdinand David, but when the response fell short of his hopes, Schumann put it away in a drawer.

Ten years later, in 1851, Schumann substantially revised the orchestration and brought it out again, which is why it became "No. 4." This revised version was dedicated to the violinist Joseph Joachim.

Later, Brahms preferred the lighter, more transparent first version of 1841. Clara Schumann strongly objected, insisting her husband's revision was better, but Brahms eventually published the first version in 1891. Today both versions are performed.

The four movements run without a break, and the same themes keep returning in changed forms across several movements. That's why it sounds like one large fantasy.

What to listen for

  • The slow melody from the first movement's introduction comes back in the second movement. Try to spot the same material returning as the movements change.
  • From the third movement to the fourth: it moves on without stopping, and an introduction that slowly recalls the first movement's theme gradually swells and bursts into a powerful finale.

Listen · Score

Credits