Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Part Song

Average_duration

:

2:24

Franz Schubert's 'Totengräberlied, D. 38' is a song composed in 1812. It was premiered in Vienna in the same year. The song is a setting of a poem by Matthias Claudius, which describes the work of a gravedigger. The song is in the key of C minor and has a simple, strophic structure. The song consists of three verses, each of which is set to the same melody. The first verse describes the gravedigger's work, as he digs a grave for a young girl. The second verse describes the gravedigger's thoughts as he works, reflecting on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The third verse is a prayer for the dead, asking for peace and rest. The melody of the song is simple and mournful, with a descending chromatic line that emphasizes the sadness of the text. The accompaniment is sparse, consisting of simple chords played on the piano. The vocal line is relatively low, reflecting the somber mood of the song. Overall, 'Totengräberlied, D. 38' is a poignant and reflective song that captures the mood of mourning and loss. It is a testament to Schubert's ability to capture the emotional essence of a text and translate it into music.

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