What is schumann's contribution?

Answer 1

Robert schumanns most important contribution is his usage of motifs to express himself. In song cycles such as frauenliebe und leben (a woman's love and life), motifs such as "assurance", depicted as octave bass played on the piano, are used to reflect on lyrics "and are you here my love?". The above example at the same time also reflect on Robert schumanns other contribution- the elevation of the piano status. the piano is thus significant and is being used to "answer" the lyrics. In the first song of frauenliebe und leben, the piano is effectively used to set the mood of the song through the dream motif of pedaled semi-staccato chords, which at sets a dreamy mood. In single songs such as mondnact, the piano controls the harmonic material such that the melodic line is dependant on it. In der nussbaum (the nut tree), the melodic line migrates between the voice and piano. Hence, schumann made the voice and piano interdependant such that both are equally important.

In addition, schumann also set an example of how keys can be specifically be used. each key sets an unique mood and schumann is specific on the usage of his key. for example, in frauenliebe und leben, d minor is used for melodrama as the woman bemoans her dead husband.