Robert Schumann's richly expressive and characteristically melodious music has rewarded him the title of "hero of romanticism." Schumann was nineteen when he first began to study music. He trained in Leipzig, studying piano until permanently damaging his left hand with self-designed apparatus built to help strengthen and improve his technique. His energy then became devoted to composition, resulting in a large body of work for piano, as well as numerous collections of songs for voice and piano.
 

Some of Schumann's most profound work emerged out of the emotional upheaval of his life. Dichterliebe was one such work. Composed in the spring of 1840, the song-cycle marked the end of a lengthy and troubled courtship with accomplished pianist Clara Wieck and celebrated the beginning of their married life. Dichterliebe "tells the story of Schumann's own estrangement from Clara, and the bitter hurt it cost him; and then his reunion with her and their lifelong love." The poetry is the work of Heinrich Heine, whose words were set to music by a number of German romantic composers. Characteristics of Heine's poetry include "self-indulgent emotion, sharp self-criticism and deflating irony." Schumann's musical treatment of the lyrics creates a complex emotional sound experience. Gentle, plaintive melodies wistfully drift away without resolution. Aggressive and complex accompaniments, at times, challenge poetic and melodic simplicity, while in other instances they provide "strength and stability that enhances the poem." Sudden discordance and harmonic tension underscore passion and emotion that is highlighted in the poetry. As well, the dynamic contrast struck between opposing characteristics highlights irony and evokes an atmosphere of longing and uncertainty.
 

As a complete cycle, Dichterliebe is a powerful unfolding of emotion, tension, conflict and resolution. Individually, the songs are bright gems in the collection of musical treasures from the romantic era.
 
 

*Scene change music from Schumann's Dichterliebe sung by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone), accompanied by Hartmut Höll,