Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Part Song

Compose Date

:

1849

Average_duration

:

3:04

"Der König von Thule, Op. 67/1" is a Lied composed by Robert Schumann in 1849. It is the first of twelve songs in his song cycle "Myrthen," which he dedicated to his wife Clara. The song is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a king who drinks a toast to his deceased lover and throws her golden cup into the sea. The song is in A minor and has a slow, mournful tempo. It is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The piano part is simple and repetitive, with a descending arpeggio that creates a sense of melancholy. The vocal line is expressive and lyrical, with long phrases and a wide range of dynamics. The song is divided into three sections. The first section is a recitative, in which the king describes his love for his deceased lover and his sorrow at her passing. The second section is a slower, more melodic section, in which the king drinks a toast to his lover and throws her golden cup into the sea. The third section is a return to the recitative, in which the king reflects on his love and his loss. The song is characteristic of Schumann's style, with its expressive melody and simple, repetitive accompaniment. It is also typical of the Romantic era, with its emphasis on emotion and individual expression. The song is often performed by baritones or basses, and is a popular choice for recitals and competitions.

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