Unlike Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), the Album for the Young really is for child performers and audiences. Adults can enjoy the music as well, of course, as Schumann intended. The first 18 pieces in the set are quite easy, but the remainder are somewhat challenging in their design and are thus suited to more advanced players. No. 10 here, "The Happy Farmer Returning From Work," is one of the more popular easy pieces in the set. It features one of those simple, catchy themes that the man and woman on the street with some exposure to classical music have heard but have generally not associated with the name of a particular composer. This jaunty theme skips along, mostly rising for its first ten notes, then descending with such chipper spirit that the listener, child or adult, is apt to get caught up in the infectious joy of it all. The melody's second subject is very brief and continues the happy mood. The piece is simple in structure, the tune being played four times and its second subject twice, with no development of either. The work lasts a bit less than a minute. ~ Robert Cummings, All Music Guide
