Although the vocal quartet plays a secondary role in the romantic ‘lied’ repertoire, several composers did indeed pay tribute to it. In 1849, Robert Schumann wrote three cycles for one to four singers and one or two pianists alternatively. Spanisches Liederspiel and Spanische Liebeslieder are based on Spanish texts, translated by Emmanuel Geibel. Through his use of an energetic musical language and lively rhythms, Schumann evokes an exuberant southern atmosphere. On the contrary, Minnespiel is based on poems by Friedrich Rückert and is closely akin to the intimist musical adaptations of Rückert’s poetry formerly created by Schumann.