Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Nov 1817

Average_duration

:

3:02

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

"Der Knabe in der Wiege" (The Boy in the Cradle) is a Lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1817. It was premiered in Vienna in the same year. The song is set to a poem by Johann Baptist Mayrhofer, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Schubert. The song is in the key of A minor and consists of three stanzas. The first stanza describes a baby boy sleeping peacefully in his cradle, while the second stanza reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of death. The final stanza expresses the hope that the boy will find peace in the afterlife. The piano accompaniment is simple and understated, with a gentle rocking rhythm that evokes the image of a cradle. The vocal melody is lyrical and expressive, with long, flowing phrases that convey a sense of tenderness and melancholy. "Der Knabe in der Wiege" is characteristic of Schubert's early Lieder, which are known for their simplicity, directness, and emotional depth. The song reflects Schubert's preoccupation with themes of love, death, and the transience of life, which would continue to inspire him throughout his career. Overall, "Der Knabe in der Wiege" is a poignant and affecting song that captures the bittersweet beauty of life and the inevitability of mortality. Its timeless themes and elegant simplicity have made it a beloved and enduring work in the Lieder repertoire.

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