Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major, Spring
Robert Schumann
Work background
Researched classical background
Schumann composed his first completed symphony during the exceptionally productive period following his marriage to Clara Wieck. Its Spring title reflects an explicitly stated seasonal association. A brass call introduces the first movement; the slow movement and scherzo offer contrasting forms of continuity and motion before a lively finale. The title does not specify a detailed sequence of landscape scenes.
Inspiration and creative background
Schumann described a longing for spring as a stimulus for the work.
Portland Symphony: Symphonic Seasons programme notes
Schumann Spring Symphony and documented spring association | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Hear the opening brass call develop into the first movement's main material.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1841
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Spring Symphony
Portland Symphony: Symphonic Seasons programme notes
Schumann Spring Symphony and documented spring association | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Library of Congress: Schumann Symphony No.1 autograph
1841 manuscript chronology | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Portland Symphony: Symphonic Seasons programme notes
Schumann Spring Symphony and documented spring association | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Library of Congress: Schumann Symphony No.1 autograph
1841 manuscript chronology | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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