Extra-musical Inspirations in Robert Schumann’s Carnaval, Op. 9

Abstract

Robert Schumann’s Carnaval, Op.9 is collection of musical inspirations picked from his life. Between 1834 and 1835, he composed twenty-one short pieces to depict the annual Carnival at Mardi Gras. Although Carnaval has brilliant pieces to illustrate each idea, person, or character Schumann had in mind, this paper will explain only a few selected movements out of the collection. Because many of Schumann’s inspirations are biographical, the paper will first contain a chapter covering a short biography about Schumann. In the second chapter, the paper will elaborate on the selected movements that contain the most influence from Schumann’s life.