About this edition
Schumann's Fourth Symphony occupies a singular place in the Romantic symphonic canon: originally composed in 1841 as his Symphony in D minor and substantially revised in 1851, it is performed almost universally in its later form — the version preserved here. Cast in four movements that play without pause, the work is a remarkable experiment in cyclical unity, with thematic material from the slow introduction returning transformed throughout, binding the symphony into a single dramatic arc that anticipates the integrated symphonic thinking of Brahms, Franck, and beyond.
This score reproduces the full orchestral score as it appeared in Robert Schumanns Werke, Serie I: Symphonien, the complete works edition issued by Breitkopf & Härtel in Leipzig in 1882 (plate R.S. 4). The edition was prepared under the editorial supervision of Clara Schumann (1819–1896), the composer's widow and one of the nineteenth century's most distinguished pianists and musicians. Her firsthand knowledge of her husband's intentions, combined with Breitkopf & Härtel's exacting engraving standards, has made this edition a foundational source consulted by performers and scholars ever since.
About this edition:
- Full orchestral score (conductor's score), not a set of parts
- Page size: 8.5 x 11 inches, comfortable for study and rehearsal use
- Faithfully reproduced from the 1882 Breitkopf & Härtel complete works edition
- Edited by Clara Schumann
- Reproduced from a public domain historical source
- Published by Purple 4R Publishing
This volume reproduces a historical score that has long entered the public domain, allowing us to bring Clara Schumann's authoritative edition of one of the great Romantic symphonies into the hands of today's conductors, orchestral musicians, students, and music lovers. We hope it serves you well in study, rehearsal, and performance.
