Schumann - Kinderszenen, Op. 15

"Träumerei" translates to "Dreaming" in English, and it is the most famous and deeply lyrical movement of the 13-piece set. It requires a very slow, expressive, and rubato tempo to convey its nostalgic mood.

Schumann wrote the pieces in 1838 as a reflection on the innocence of childhood, not actually as music for children to play. He stated he was inspired by a comment from his future wife, Clara Wieck, who felt he sometimes behaved like a child himself.

Despite the title "Scenes from Childhood," the 13 short pieces are highly technical and musically complex, intended for adult pianists. They are designed to evoke an adult's nostalgic memory of being a child, rather than serving as beginner exercises.

The work is a cycle consisting of exactly 13 short piano pieces. They are connected by thematic material and end with the piece titled "The Poet Speaks" ("Der Dichter spricht").