The inner musical workings of Robert Schumann, 1828-1840 : in two volumes / Geoffrey Narramore Moon.

2 v. (iii, 625 p.) : music ; 30 cm.A thesis which examines Schumann's secret musical language and the development of that language into a highly complex system of extra-musical meanings expressed in tones, special motifs, harmonic progressions and keys. This study traces the development of Schumann's procedures by first analysing the songs of 1840 to see which repeated musical devices connected with texts. Once they have been identified, the application of these devices is then examined, retrospectively, in selected works for solo piano. Relying heavily on Schumann's diaries and letters, as well as a detailed analysis of selected works for voice and solo piano, this study shows the extra-musical meaning to be ultimately concerned with Schumann's wish to marry Clara Wieck and her father's unyeilding opposition to the idea.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Elder School of Music, 200