Myrthen

Myrthen is a German word meaning "Myrtles." It is most notably associated with Robert Schumann's song cycle, Myrthen, Op. 25, composed in 1840, the year of his marriage to Clara Wieck.

The title Myrthen refers to the bridal wreath traditionally made of myrtle branches, a symbol of love and marriage in German culture. The cycle consists of 26 songs set to poems by various poets, including Goethe, Rückert, Heine, Moore, Byron, and others. The diverse selection of poems reflects the multifaceted nature of love and marriage, encompassing joy, longing, loss, and devotion.

The choice of the title Myrthen for the song cycle is deeply significant. It not only represents the celebration of Schumann's own marriage but also serves as a thematic umbrella uniting the diverse texts into a cohesive artistic whole. The myrtle wreath, therefore, symbolizes the enduring bond of marriage and the various emotions that intertwine within it. The song cycle is considered a cornerstone of the Lied repertoire and a testament to Schumann's mastery of vocal composition.