Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1815

Average_duration

:

2:22

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

"Geistes-Gruss" is a song composed by Franz Schubert in 1827, with lyrics by Friedrich von Schiller. It is the third song in Schubert's Opus 92, a collection of six songs based on Schiller's poetry. The song is also known as "Der Geistertanz" or "The Ghostly Dance." The song premiered on March 1, 1828, at a private concert in Vienna. It was performed by the tenor Johann Michael Vogl, who was a close friend and frequent collaborator of Schubert. "Geistes-Gruss" is a relatively short song, with a duration of around two minutes. It is in the key of C minor and is written for solo voice and piano. The song consists of a single movement, with a simple A-B-A structure. The song begins with a haunting piano introduction, which sets the mood for the ghostly dance that follows. The vocal line is characterized by long, sustained notes and a melancholic melody. The lyrics describe a ghostly dance, with the spirits of the dead rising from their graves to dance in the moonlight. The middle section of the song features a more agitated melody, as the spirits become more frenzied in their dance. The piano accompaniment becomes more complex, with rapid arpeggios and chromatic runs. The final section of the song returns to the melancholic melody of the opening, as the spirits return to their graves and the dance comes to an end. The piano accompaniment becomes more subdued, with gentle arpeggios and a soft, descending melody. Overall, "Geistes-Gruss" is a haunting and atmospheric song, with a simple yet effective melody and a memorable piano accompaniment. It is a testament to Schubert's skill as a composer of lieder, and remains a popular choice for vocalists and pianists today.

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