1. Schubert’s “Erlkönig” is through composed, the music never repeating. How then does he unify the work? The composer can draw from a number of ways to create a cohesive work without repetition of a theme or themes. Try to solicit responses from your students that indicate an awareness of this.
2. Clara Schumann composed a total of sixty-six works. Although she didn’t completely abandon performing or composing, marriage did hamper her career in music. Is she an example of the nineteenth century’s attitude toward women? Even after Robert’s death she focused on performing rather than composing. And she primarily performed his music. If she had not married Robert, would we remember her today?