Programme 86 “about Music. The art of listening.” Schumann’ influence Part 1

Robert Schumann’s role as a critic and editor of the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik (New Journal for Music) had a profound impact on the music of the Romantic period. Schumann became what we would call today “an influencer.” As both an advocate and commentator, Schumann used his platform not only to shape musical tastes but also to promote the works of emerging composers.

Schumann’s writings helped define the Romantic movement in music by emphasizing the importance of emotion, imagination, and poetic expression in composition and focussing on individuality and the personal voice of the composer.

Our main work for today, the Piano Quintet in E flat major, is an excellent example of this.