Well, now the topic for study is Schumann.  So here’s a list of his different collections, how many are in each, and a brief note about them.

Album for the Young – 43 pieces
Schumann composed this collection in just 16 days and gave it as a Christmas gift to his children.

Carnaval – 21 Pieces
Almost every piece begins with notes that correspond to the German letters a-s-c-h and relate to the musical notes of Schumann’s name.

Waldszenen (Forest Scenes) – 9 pieces
Within this collection is the piece “Vogel als Prophet (Prophetic Bird)” which is a favorite encore piece for many performers. All nine of these compositions were written in a year, from 1848 to 1849.

Albumblatter (Album Leaves) – 20 pieces
Composed throughout 1832-1845 this collection, like many, is without a program and was not composed in any specific order.  Such collections are generally called character pieces.

Bunte Blatter (Leaves of Different Colors) – 14 pieces
This collection is comprised of a variety of different pieces that Schumann at one point was said to have called “Spreu,” – meaning chaff.

Fantasiestucke (Fantasy Pieces) – 8 pieces
Considered a fusion of literary and musical ideas.  Some of the pieces contain heavy syncopation, which Schumann enjoyed putting into his music.

Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood) – 13 pieces
A collection of light and playful pieces including, Traumerei, one of Schumann’s most famous compositions.