V. Lebhaft

Robert Schumann was born in 1810 in Zwickau, Germany and died in Bonn, Germany in 1856. At that time, Zwickau was part of the Kingdom of Saxony and Bonn was part of the Kingdom of Prussia.

As a young man, Robert Schumann aspired to be a concert pianist. This dream came to an end when he injured himself using a finger strengthening device. After this, Schumann concentrated on composing music and writing poetry. He married Clara Wieck, the daughter of his piano teacher, even though her father disapproved.

In 1854, Schumann’s mental health deteriorated, and he attempted, unsuccessfully, to end his life. To protect his family, whom he loved very much, Schumann asked to be institutionalised. He died in the Sanitorium two years later. Clara Schumann was a successful concert pianist from an early age and a fine composer in her own right. After Robert Schumann’s death, Clara continued to support her family as a concert performer, but never composed again.

Symphony No. 3, composed in 1850, was the fourth and last symphony that Schumann wrote. It is numbered three because the symphonies were published out of order. Lebhaft is the fifth and final movement of the symphony.

Worksheet for Primary classrooms

Step 1. Watch the video to learn about Horn Mutes

Step 2. Listen to the TSO recording of Lebhaft

Step 3. Answer 10 questions

Step 4. Download a Word Search