Fantastic Dreamland

Robert Schumann was the standard-bearer of European romantic music style in the first half of 19^th century and the greatest musical poet in Germany. Schumann was not only a composer, but also an excellent music reviewer and litterateur, so he was regarded as the leading figure of german romantic music style. Schumann's music is the singing voice from inside with profound meaning. The works of piano he created, with unique musical grammar and style, are the compulsory courses which every piano learner should take.The present thesis aims at presenting Schumann's musical style and concept of creation through the analysis and research of his piano cycle Phantasiestücke. Simultaneously, we can learn the teaching significance of his piano cycle by expounding the performance technique thoroughly.The present thesis is divided into four chapters. Chapter One is the introduction of Schumann and his artistic achievements from the perspectives of both music and review talents.Chapter Two illustrates the creative and stylistic features of Schumann's piano cycle, mainly in terms of literature of the title, uniqueness of structure and diversity of musical terminology. This can help us understand the creation of Schumann's piano cycle more clearly and completely in order to lay the foundation for better analysis of Phantasiestücke.Chapter Three is the analysis of creation methods and artistic feature of Phantasiesttlcke . The present writer analyses creation methods and artistic feature of this cycle by examples through studying the musical form, harmony, tonality and rhythm of this work. This offers the theoretical support for the following performance analysis.Chapter Four is the thorough analysis from performance perspectives of different musical images and touching techniques based on the present writer's own experience when he or she learned and played this work. The present writer tried to wave 8 pieces of this work into teaching in order to better understand Schumann's creation intention and the feeling he expressed as well as making training more effective.