Schumann’s song cycle “Frauenliebe und Leben”, on poems by Adelbert von Chamisso, deals with the trauma of a woman who loses the man who was her first love and the guiding light of her life. Schumann himself completed what is perhaps his most unified song cycle in blissful anticipation of his union with Clara Wieck.

This new edition presents the work on the basis of the first print, using Schumann’s autograph for purposes of consultation. The alternative readings in the autograph vocal part also give singers valuable tips for a nuanced delivery of the words.