Select one of the compositions listed here to explore a single work. Or go to the timeline to see an overview of Schuman’s compositional career.

The sixty-five years of his life as a composer, “spreading and spreading far as the eye can reach” (Walt Whitman), are represented here.

“Most of the thinking for my compositions is done mentally before the writing process begins and there are very few, if any, written preliminary sketches made. When I do sketch notes as I am composing, I throw them away as soon as the final form is achieved.”
Schuman to Kenneth Durant
May 5, 1947

“The act of composing for me involves a lot of physical energy — I sing, move about, conduct, yell and in short make about as much noise as my finished orchestral products which in the opinion of some is considerable.”
Schuman to Aaron Copland
July 20, 1954