The “Kinderszenen” (Scenes from
Childhood) op. 15 were composed in
spring 1838, having already received
mention under this title in entries contained
in Schumann’s diary. The individual
pieces making up this famous
work – which were definitely intended
to constitute a complete cycle – are,
according to Schumann’s own words
“adult reminiscences for adults”. Referring
to Scenes from Childhood in a letter
addressed to his wife-to-be a year later,
Schumann relates, “What wild imaginings
and dreams I experienced while
writing these Scenes”.
In contrast to Scenes from Childhood,
the “Album fόr die Jugend” (Album for
the Young) op. 68 is designed more with
children in mind. Schumann remarks to
a younger friend of their “having originated
from within genuine home life”.
Some of the pieces (no’s. 21, 26, 28 and
30) are dedicated to the memory of Felix
Mendelssohn Bartholdy, No. 28 having
been written for the anniversary of
Mendelssohn’s death. No. 41 “Nordic
Song – with compliments to G.”, having
as its main theme GADE, was evidently
written as a token of homage to Niels W.
