Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1827

Average_duration

:

3:41

"Der Leiermann" is the final song in Franz Schubert's song cycle "Winterreise," composed in 1827. The premiere of the song cycle is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been performed in a private setting shortly after Schubert's death in 1828. "Der Leiermann" is a slow, mournful song in the key of A minor. It is marked "Andante con moto" and has a 4/4 time signature. The song is characterized by a simple, repetitive melody played on a hurdy-gurdy, which is represented by the piano in the accompaniment. The lyrics describe a wandering musician playing his hurdy-gurdy in the snow, ignored by passersby. The song ends with the narrator asking the musician if he would like to come with him, to which the musician does not respond. The song is notable for its use of a drone bass, which is a sustained note played throughout the song. This creates a sense of stasis and hopelessness, reflecting the narrator's feelings of being trapped in his own despair. The melody is also characterized by a descending chromatic line, which adds to the sense of sadness and inevitability. "Der Leiermann" is a fitting conclusion to "Winterreise," as it leaves the listener with a sense of unresolved sadness and despair. The song has been interpreted in many ways, with some seeing it as a metaphor for the inevitability of death, while others see it as a commentary on the isolation and loneliness of the human condition. Regardless of its interpretation, "Der Leiermann" is a haunting and powerful work that showcases Schubert's mastery of melody and emotion.

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