Schumann's - The Wild Horseman

[quaver]

I have two questions on this piece:

1.  It is written in 3 sections but the meoldy remains the same.  Does this qualify as ternary even though the B section is not different.

2.  In measure 2 would the harmony be tonic, subdominant then back to tonic.  Or, is the middle chord classed as a neighbor note chord.  Thanks for your interest.  I am hoping to put a copy of the piece with this question but it is hit or miss with me if it does indeed work.

[cjp_piano]

Good questions!

1. This is indeed 3 sections: ABA. The B section is indeed quite different, it's in F major!

2. It's splitting hairs to say whether it's I IV I, or just a neighbor chord. In fact, it IS a neighbor 6/4 to be accurate, and similar in measure 3.

Hope that helps!

[quaver]

Yes thanks for answering cjp.  Now the neighbor 6/4 chord.  Would this be a tonic 6/4 because of the intervals above the tonic note A.  Or, because this is second inversion of the subdominant then it could also be IV 6/4.  I get confused with the 6/4 chord.  Sometimes it seems you count the intervals above the base  note so in fact it is prolonging the chord that follows, in this case the tonic chord.  Or, conversely it could be called the second inversion of the subdominant.  Is there any rule that dictates or does it even matter.  Thanks.

[cjp_piano]

You're right, it is a little confusing. You can't go wrong with identifying the actual harmony, then labeling it a 6/4. So I would call it a IV 6/4.  Just like a cadential 6/4 is a V 6/4 even though it's really a I 6/4! But if you're taking an exam or something, you can't go wrong with figuring out what chord it is, then sticking a 6/4 on it.

[quaver]

Sounds good to me thanks.  Just a note:  In a test exam I had  the comment when supplying a 'B' section was that I had not varied the melody enough.  Schumann only changed the key!  I think he cheated a little.