Narrative elements in “Piano Sonata no. 1, op. 11”, by Robert Schumann

Abstract

Robert Schumann was an early and significant advocate of a change in musical narrative techniques. Additionally, he presents an instance that is historically specific, demonstrating the interconnectedness of verbal narrative and narrative aspects in instrumental music that lacks text. He frequently described his preferred music using novelistic language and openly admitted that he derived inspiration for his compositions from the techniques employed by his favorite novelists. The shifts in mood, unexpected harmonic changes, and intricate textures all contribute to a sense of inner narrative, as if the music is expressing an unfolding drama or an introspective journey. Schumann was fond of embedding symbolic meanings and codes within his music.