II
III
IV
V
VI
100
What view does the piano part have versus the voice part? Do they conflict? Why?
Yes - They reflect opposing views, possibly an expression Schumann’s split psyche: At the start the piano text paints tears falling – illustrating the sadness of love lost experienced by one mind while the melody rises in the optimistic denial of reality expressed in the text – the descending tears in the piano are juxtaposed by the rising melody on the word “Spring.”
100
List two ideas of what you believe is the role between the text and the piano.
a) The fast pace of this movement refers to him frolicking, or chasing after the woman he loves. b) The short notes in both the voice and piano personify him picking the “flowers” of those he used to love, and he tosses them away.
100
Are the text and the piano in this song having a conversation? How so?
Yes. The entire song is a dialogue. The piano is like the eyes that reflect what he sees. "Call and response" structure. Voice sings, piano plays. Piano plays, the then voice sings.
100
what are some words and emotions highlighted in the song?
-Schuman highlights the words(klingend hauchen)which translates to “resoundingly exhale” at the end of measure 5 to 6. These words chosen are on the highest pitch (F#) we hear throughout the entire song.
100
In song VI, we see lots of dotted rhythms. Why?
The stereotypical dotted rhythm (' powerful ', ' stiff ',), the (significantly ) only for " the loved one ". This is like a throwback to baroque music.
200
In the first 8 measures what words are highlighted? How? Why?
In measure 2 “Spring” is the highest higher pitch insinuating blind optimism, same on Measure 7 "become" highlighting the transformation from sighs to nightingale. These words are musically highlighted with that same D in the voice and a IV chord rather than the expected I-V progression.
200
What do the repetitive harmonies (I-iii-IV-V) suggest?
-It is suggesting a forward-like motion, such as running or chasing.
200
What words or emotions are highlighted in the song? How? Why?
"Vanish" and "Sorrow" in measure 3. Only piano chords in that measure are played on those words. Also, the rest after "Vanish" implies dissipation of sorrow and pain. "Wholly" measure 7. Highest note. Focal point of song.
200
what is the realtionship between the text and the music?
The text suggests being a kind of daydream/fantasy state of mind. The songs first line figuratively speaks of, “plunging my soul into the chalice of the lily”. Here we can connect how Schuman decided to use a descending arpeggio in the piano to emphasize the text and it's meaning
200
What is the role of the piano?
In the piano part, there is a textural wave while in the text we are in a much more
300
What cadences happen in this piece? Why would Shumann use this there?
1 -There is a church like cadence on “Spring” that supports the prayer that here is still hope for this relationship 2 - At measure 9 the harmony becomes unstable and the cadence is minor under the text about the gifted flowers. 3 - Returns to major for the final phrase ending with a PAC
300
What do the Rose, Lily, Dove, and Sun represent in this piece?
-He is referring to different women he loved in the past, and no longer loves. He loves only the sources of all love, which are these four things collectively.
300
At the end of measure 8, there is a Perfect Authentic Cadence, what does this suggest?
The lyrics read: “But when I kiss your mouth, then I am wholly and completely healthy.” PAC harmonically highlights his emotional completeness.
300
What role does the piano play?
The piano carries the weight of the song because it can be heard playing from beginning to end. Not only is the piano heard from beginning to end but it is also in constant motion and mostly stable throughout.
300
What words are highlighted in this song? Why?
The word "Dom" is highlighted by being leaped into from an e to a c in the melody as well as a change in dynamics from forte to piano. The Dom or Cathedral is important because Shumann is about to tell us what is so important when he furthers the song to tell us of the painting of virgin mary.
400
Any unexpected shifts or startling chords? If so, how are they being used?
There is an unexpected shift to minor for the “if you love me, child” section. The music undermines the poet, suggesting the irrationality of the words. The sudden instability at measure 9 illustrates the shaky ground of believing that grieving tears become flowers or that woeful sighs become nightingales.
400
What is the piano possibly depicting near the end of the song?
The piano starts with the original I-iii-IV-V progression, then the piano decrescendos with an unstable chord progression, as if he has almost caught up to the woman. The final two chords are a PAC, depicting that he now is embracing the woman in his arms. (Note: The last two chords can also be analyzed as a V/V to a V of Song 4).
400
What is the significance of the unexpected viiº7 in measure 13?
Schumann uses viiº chords in this song cycle to represent imaginary (fantasy) love. These feelings and lyrics were brought out through use of the diminished chord which disrupted the logical harmonic progression.
400
Do the Themes fight the Meaning of Heine’s text?
I believe Schuman was going for the feel of reminiscence & a yearning for the return of a loved one. This presence of mind of the singer is highlighted by the text within the voice and the piano.
400
Do the music and Heines text conflict? if yes how? if not how not?
The music is very unstable and sort of all over the place while the text is ironically admiring a painting in a church. They do conflict but to prove that he is very confused and distraught.
500
What do you believe the role of the piano is in this song and why.
The piano is playing the role of a narrator in this piece – telling us what is going on in the “real world” while the text indulges itself in delusion.
500
What words or emotions are highlighted here?
--Every four measures, the voice and piano ritardando, and then a tempo. First slowing down on m.4 “wonne,” 2nd ritardando on “Eine”- the one, 3rd (marked) ritardando on “Lillie und Taube und Sonne- “Lilly and dove and sun.” Last ritardando again on “The One”-the woman he loves. At the end of m. 15 he mentions the One, but he deliberately slows down to reiterate THE ONE, and holds on to the B before resolving down to the G.
500
What is the role of the piano in this song?
To encompass the text and MAKE the words become music. Help reflect the idea of masculine and feminine views of love in this song.
500
What does the harmonic movement heard towards the end of the song suggest?
-After the last words of the song (in wunderbar suBer Stund’!)- “in a wonderfully sweet hour.” We begin to hear instability. Possibly to suggest the overall “fantasy” theme of the song coming to an end.
500
What form is this song in? Does it change keys?
ABA goes from Em to GMaj and Am then back to Em
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