Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Aug 7, 1816

Average_duration

:

2:50

"An den Mond" (To the Moon), D. 468, is a Lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1816. It was premiered in Vienna in 1821, with Schubert himself accompanying the singer. The song is set to a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which describes the speaker's longing for the moon to guide him to his beloved. The song is in A-flat major and consists of three stanzas, each with its own melody. The first stanza is marked "Andante con moto" and begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the piano. The singer enters with a simple, yet expressive melody that rises and falls with the text. The second stanza is marked "Piu lento" and is more introspective, with a darker, more melancholic melody. The final stanza returns to the original tempo and melody, but with added ornamentation and a more passionate delivery. One of the characteristics of "An den Mond" is its use of chromaticism, particularly in the piano accompaniment. Schubert uses chromatic harmonies to create a sense of longing and yearning, as well as to highlight certain words in the text. The song also features Schubert's signature use of modulations, as the music moves seamlessly between keys. Overall, "An den Mond" is a beautiful and expressive Lied that showcases Schubert's mastery of melody and harmony. Its simple yet powerful text and haunting melody have made it a beloved piece in the Lieder repertoire.

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