Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4187-3163

Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

DMA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

School of Music

Committee Chair

Peter Amstutz

Committee Member

Kelly Burke

Committee Member

Lucy Mauro

Committee Member

Jake Sandridge

Committee Member

Bruce Kang

Abstract

This research project compares Romantic instrumental narrative in Robert Schumann’s Papillons, Op. 2; Fantasiestücke, Op. 12; and Kinderszenen, Op. 15, with particular attention to how pianists communicate cyclic continuity in performance. In this study, narrative continuity refers to relationships formed across ordered short pieces through contrast, interruption, return, literary association, fantasy, memory, tonal and motivic recall, and the shaping of sound and time. Comparative score analysis shows that Schumann creates a distinct form of continuity in each cycle. In Papillons, he creates a public, ballroom-based form through masquerade, waltz-like dance, abrupt entrances, interruption, and the gradual dissolution of the social scene. In Fantasiestücke, he creates an inward, fantasy-based form through rhythmic overlap, questioning, agitation, humor, rapid figuration, and character transformation. In Kinderszenen, he creates a retrospective, memory-based form through miniature design, restrained expression, domestic scenes, and the final transition from sleep to poetic speech. Across the three cycles, tempo relationships, rubato, articulation, voicing, pedaling, tone color, resonance, silence, and movement transitions help pianists make these work-specific forms of continuity audible. Because the project is performer-centered, it does not attempt a comprehensive theoretical analysis; score features are discussed only when they clarify decisions within the pianist’s control. By integrating score analysis with performance interpretation, this research focuses on a performer-centered comparison of three distinct yet related forms of Romantic instrumental narration.

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