Carnaval, Op. 9, is one of Robert Schumann’s most celebrated and imaginative works for solo piano. Composed in 1834–1835, this suite of 21 short character pieces offers a vibrant musical portrayal of a masquerade ball during the Carnival season. Each piece captures the spirit of a different character, mood, or scene, blending Schumann’s deeply personal reflections with literary and musical allusions.
Robert Schumann was born on June 8, 1810, in Zwickau, Saxony, which was then part of the Kingdom of Saxony. He was the youngest of five children in a family that valued literature and music, as his father, August Schumann, was a bookseller and publisher. His mother, Johanna Christiane, was less enthusiastic about his musical ambitions, preferring he pursue a stable career. Schumann's early life was steeped in the arts, with a particular affinity for literature, which would later influence his songwriting.
Schumann began piano lessons at a young age, displaying considerable talent. At the age of seven, he composed his first piece of music. His father recognized his potential and arranged for him to study under Friedrich Wieck, a prominent piano teacher. Despite this encouragement, Schumann’s formal education was initially directed towards law, a profession his mother preferred for him.