He composed a number of song cycles, most notable, the Dichterlieder and Liederkreis cycles. Form Through-composed songs are most frequent. Strophic songs are generally modified with an inner strophe set in a constrasting key or different tempo. Role of Piano Gave piano more important role - almost an equal partner to the voice. Piano introductions, postludes, and interludes are common.
Piano tends to double vocal line, especially in the early songs.