Schumann: Scenes from Childhood Op. 63 No. 8

A relatively simple piece, most likely written for his daughter to play (as are most of the pieces from this collection). The piece begins with a repeated phrase, each time ending on a PAC, before we entire into new thematic material. Once again we have two five-measure phrases that are repeated, each ending in a half cadences before we get a four measure extension in the second, which pulls out into a PAC. This section is repeated again. This section can be viewed as two repeated phrases with a third consequent phrase, or as a parallel period with an assymetric consequent phrase (due to the extension). We now enter into the third and final section, which has a different feel with a thicker bass texture. The first phrase ends with an IAC, before we get a register change, adding a little more power to the final phrase, a parallel phrase ending in a PAC.
In this piece we get a little dynamic change; the first section is a soft piano slowly growing to a mezzo-forte by the middle section, where it remains for the rest of the piece. Another marking that affects the mood of the piece are a number of ritardandos at the ends of phrases. This building of suspense is used effectively to bring out cadential points.

This is a cute piece with a lot of repeating material. Like most beginner's Schumann, it sounds more difficult to play than it is (unlike other Schumann, which is quite the opposite).