Worksheet on Expanded Tonality
Gap-fill exercise
Papillons, Op. 2 by Robert Schumann consists of an introduction and one phrase (mm. 1-16) followed by three additional phrases, that together create a small
form:
Introduction :||: A :||: B A' :||
The introduction is in C# minor but the piece is in Db major. This tonal relationship is best described as an enharmonic
of
. Although the two
are spelled differently, their
remains the same.
Your example shows the second half of the piece, from the B section through the return of
. Using Roman Numerals, the first chord in B would be analyzed as
in
. The
7th and the
7th chords are used to
the
harmonies
and
, and to
to the key of
in mm. 22-23. The second chord and third chords in m. 23 would be analyzed as a
and
respectively, leading to a
on
.
The harmonic interest in this passage comes from Schumann's abrupt shift not to the expected
of
, but to the
of Db major. The two chords in m. 24 are thus related by
, with the first chord- if it is analyzed in Db major-appearing as an
triad in that key.
Our analysis of Papillons reveals three important characteristics of 19th-century tonality:
1.
and
harmony continue to play a large role in establishing tonal forms;
2.
by
and
chords is used not only for
, but is found as a common feature of thematic statements; and
3. Harmonies that relate by
are used at a climactic point in the composition.