The Structural Role of Polyphonic Episodes in Schumann's 1842 Chamber Music

Abstract

Abstract

This paper aims at examining and defining the role and function of contrapuntal techniques and polyphonic episodes in the overall form and structure of the musical compositions under consideration. By applying a combined method of contrapuntal and formal analysis, one is able to examine how diverse principles of polyphonic thematic development are chosen.

The research shows that Schumann’s employment of polyphonic techniques had undergone considerable change from free inspired imitations and contrapuntal voices emerging from within the musical flux and enhancing its developmental character in his piano compositions of the 1830s to more thoroughly designed polyphonic techniques and practices invoked to play a structuring role more closely related to both formal procedure and tonal plan.