Schumann’s ‘Frauenliebe und Leben’: A Woman‘s Journey Through Love and Life

Schumann’s ‘Frauenliebe und Leben’: A Woman‘s Journey Through Love and Life
"Frauenliebe und Leben" is a reflection on love and its many interpretations, possibly mirroring Robert’s passionate love for Clara. Lithograph of Robert and Clara Schumann in 1847. Public Domain
Ariane Triebswetter
Updated:
Since first seeing him, I think I am blind, Wherever I look, Him only I see.” These words open one of Robert Schumann’s greatest song cycles for voice and piano, “Frauenliebe und Leben” (A Woman’s Love and Life). From this initial phrase, the whole emotional climate of the cycle is set.

This song cycle, composed of eight German art songs known as Lieder, German songs for solo voice and piano, is an expression of love. It follows the love journey of a woman for a man, from the first meeting, to marriage, through motherhood, and ending in her beloved’s death.

Ariane Triebswetter
Ariane Triebswetter
Author
Ariane Triebswetter is an international freelance journalist, with a background in modern literature and classical music.
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