Piano Music

Question 1

Schuman

Answer 1

Key composer in the development of piano music in his piano miniatures

Question 2

Express the programme effectively

Answer 2

Through the piano finding new chords and choices of keys that help to express the scenes op. 15 through eyes of an adult then through eyes of the child

Question 3

Kinderszenen

Answer 3

Op.15 written is 1838 was Schumann first composition linked to the theme of childhood.

Question 4

Pieces flow into each other

Answer 4

Motivic connection formal arrangement and harmonic arrangement.

Question 5

Tonal centre

Answer 5

Tonal centre that frames the work is in G major and the first and last pieces are in g major with closely related keys such as the relative minor e in Kind Im Einslchlummern

Question 6

Cycle begins

Answer 6

With a lyrical piece that suggests the amusement of a child
Piece ends on a perfect cadence in bars 21/22

Question 7

Development of harmony

Answer 7

Illustrated through chromatic harmony in bars 11-12 instead of the 2 5. 1 progression in e minor thé harmony shifts to G major triad when the d# leading note of e minor moves down to an e natural

Question 8

Neopolitan chord

Answer 8

There is a striking use of a prolonged ‘Neapolitan’ chord in
root position in bars 13-15. The Neapolitan flat supertonic (C major) is approached through
an interrupted cadence in E minor (bars 12 -13).

Question 9

Harmonic rhythm

Answer 9

Schuman also explores ways to create
tension through employing fast harmonic rhythm and short modulations in the B section of
Traumerei (dreaming). Shuman placed this piece in the centre as it is a key moment of the
programme as it is much slower and tranquil compared to the other pieces. After the last
appearance of the main melody, the music stops in a sustained fermata over a secondary
dominant G9, followed by a descending legato-line that resolves the music in the tonic. This
also highlights Schuman’s ability to write expressively for the programme as he is able to
continue a storyline as the next piece Am Camin is also in F major.

Question 10

Cultural literacy

Answer 10

Schuman not only revolutionised attitudes concerning music education but also inaugurated
an entirely new genre of piano literature- programme music written explicitly for children.
He made music more accessible for middle class people raising their cultural literacy.
Hausmusik was a style of music for playing at home. Schuman helped to introduce a new
and exciting way for children to learn how to play the piano instead of playing the same
piano studies