Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

1:58

"Der Schiffer" is a lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1817. It is part of his Opus 21, a collection of six songs for voice and piano. The song is based on a poem by Friedrich Schiller, which tells the story of a sailor who is lost at sea and longing for his home and loved ones. The song premiered in Vienna in 1823, performed by the famous baritone Johann Michael Vogl, who was a close friend and frequent collaborator of Schubert. The song is composed in the key of G major and has a moderate tempo. It consists of three stanzas, each with its own melody and character. The first stanza begins with a gentle and flowing melody, which depicts the calmness of the sea. The sailor sings about the beauty of the sea and the stars above, but also expresses his longing for his home and loved ones. The second stanza has a more agitated and restless character, as the sailor becomes aware of his loneliness and the dangers of the sea. The melody becomes more chromatic and dissonant, reflecting the sailor's anxiety and fear. The third stanza returns to the gentle and flowing melody of the first, as the sailor resigns himself to his fate and hopes for a peaceful death. Overall, "Der Schiffer" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Schubert's mastery of melody and harmony. The song is a perfect example of the Romantic style, with its emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience. It is also a testament to Schubert's ability to capture the essence of a poem and translate it into music, creating a powerful and evocative work of art.

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