Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Jun 1815

Average_duration

:

2:15

"Meeres Stille" (Sea Calm) is a lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1815, with lyrics by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It is part of a set of six songs, Op. 3, which were Schubert's first published works. The song premiered in Vienna in 1821. The song is in A major and has a simple structure, consisting of a single strophic verse. The piano accompaniment is gentle and flowing, evoking the calmness of the sea. The vocal melody is also serene and peaceful, with a few moments of slight tension in the middle section. The lyrics describe a sailor's experience of being becalmed at sea, with no wind to fill his sails. He reflects on the beauty of the calm sea, but also feels a sense of frustration and helplessness at being unable to move forward. The poem is a metaphor for the human experience of being stuck in a situation with no clear way forward. Schubert's setting of the poem captures both the beauty and the frustration of the sailor's experience. The gentle piano accompaniment and serene vocal melody convey the calmness of the sea, while the moments of tension in the middle section suggest the sailor's frustration. The song is a masterful example of Schubert's ability to capture the emotional depth of a poem in his music. Overall, "Meeres Stille" is a beautiful and evocative song that showcases Schubert's early talent as a composer. Its simple structure and serene melody make it a popular choice for singers and audiences alike.

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