Gurlitt, Cornelius : Album für die Jugend Impromptu
Work Overview
Genre:for children
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (1)
Author : Kumamoto, Ryohei
Last Updated: May 30, 2025
[Open]
Author : Kumamoto, Ryohei
Structure and Analysis
The main key is F major, and the piece is in ternary form.
- Section A: [a (measures 1-8) + b (measures 9-16) + transition (measures 17-24) + a (measures 25-32)]
- Section B: [c (measures 33-40) + c1 (measures 41-49)]
Note: The piece has a three-part structure due to the Da Capo al Fine, which returns to Section A and concludes there.
The theme frequently employs non-harmonic tones moving by step, resulting in a smooth melodic line. From measure 9, it modulates to D minor. The descending progression in the left hand from measures 9-10 is imitated by the right hand in the following two measures, creating a polyphonic movement. From measure 17, section 'a' is recapitulated after a transitional passage.
Unlike section A, section B features a more tranquil progression. It modulates to B-flat major. Measures 37-38 feature a partial modulation to F major, forming a sequence over these two measures. Consequently, measure 39 is not the dominant chord of B-flat major but rather the tonic chord of F major, providing a sense of stability through harmonic resolution.