Text Setting and Harmony in Schumann's Myrthen Op. 25: Pedagogical Applications in the Theory Curriculum

Abstract

The vocal song cycles of Robert Schumann demonstrate the relationship between text and harmony in the compositional process. Schumann's passion for literature greatly influenced his works. The harmonic texture functions beyond the general structure of the piece, but rather as a tool to express the emotion in the text. The present analysis studies Schumann's ability to convey the meaning of the text in comparison with common techniques specific to harmony found in the Myrthen song cycle. Discovering this relationship between harmony and text in Schumann's lieder reveals the clarity and simplicity of his compositional style. This quality of Schumann's lieder is the reason that it is pedagogically effective and should be included in the theory curriculum.