Chapter 23

WARUM?

This piece is a happy illustration of the intensity of meaning
and the conciseness of structure which Schumann gained by the
application of polyphonic imitation. It is difficult to say exactly
whatWarumsignifies. It was characteristic of the Romantic
unrest of the German mind to question everything—especially
“Why am I not more happy in love?” The motto may be consid-
ered a Carlyle-like “everlasting why.” At any rate the composi-
tion is an example of music speaking more plainly than words;
for no one can fail to recognize the haunting appeal in the theme
with its long-drawn out final note after the upward leap. It is a
real musical question,e.g.

[Music]

Grillen, the next piece in the set, deserves careful study. It
is too long to present as a whole, but we cite the middle part
(See Supplement No. 52) as it is such a convincing example of
syncopated effect (i.e., the persistent placing of the accent on
weak beats), and of elasticity in the metric scheme.

Novellette in E major.

This piece illustrates the vigor and massiveness of Schumann’s
pianoforte style. Note the sonority gained by the use of widely
spaced chords. For the brilliant effect demanded, there should
be a liberal use of the damper pedal.[192] We likewise find, be-
ginning with the third brace, some characteristic polyphonic
imitations which give to the movement a remarkable concentra-