Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Dec 7, 1814

Average_duration

:

3:20

Sehnsucht, D. 123 is a song composed by Franz Schubert in 1815. It was premiered in Vienna in the same year. The song is part of a collection of songs called Schwanengesang, which was published posthumously in 1829. Sehnsucht, D. 123 is a lied, which is a type of German art song that is typically written for solo voice and piano. The song is in the key of C minor and has a slow tempo. It is divided into three sections, or strophes, each with its own melody and lyrics. The first strophe begins with a piano introduction that sets the melancholic mood of the song. The singer then enters with the first line, "Ach, aus dieses Tales Gründen," which translates to "Ah, from the depths of this valley." The lyrics describe a feeling of longing and yearning for something that is out of reach. The melody is characterized by long, sustained notes and a descending melodic line that emphasizes the sadness of the lyrics. The second strophe begins with a piano interlude that is more agitated than the first. The singer then enters with the line, "Nur ein Schimmer von den Höhen," which translates to "Only a glimmer from the heights." The lyrics continue to express the feeling of longing, but also suggest that there is a possibility of fulfillment. The melody is more varied in this section, with more rhythmic and dynamic changes that reflect the shifting emotions of the lyrics. The third strophe begins with a piano interlude that is similar to the first. The singer then enters with the line, "Seh ich dich, so sehnlich lieben," which translates to "When I see you, so longingly loved." The lyrics express a sense of hope and joy that comes from the fulfillment of the longing that has been described in the previous strophes. The melody is more upbeat and joyful in this section, with a rising melodic line that reflects the positive emotions of the lyrics. Overall, Sehnsucht, D. 123 is a beautiful example of Schubert's skill in composing lieder. The song is characterized by its melancholic mood, expressive melody, and poignant lyrics that capture the universal human experience of longing and yearning.

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