Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

May 1813

Average_duration

:

1:28

"Dessen Fahne Donnerstürme wallte" (whose flag billowed in thunderstorms) is a song composed by Franz Schubert in 1813. It is a setting of a poem by Friedrich Schiller, which tells the story of a soldier who dies in battle, but his flag continues to wave in the wind, inspiring his comrades to fight on. The song was premiered in Vienna in 1814, as part of a concert organized by Schubert's friend and mentor, Franz von Schober. It was performed by the tenor Johann Michael Vogl, who was one of Schubert's favorite interpreters. The song is in three movements, with a total duration of about 10 minutes. The first movement is a slow introduction, in which the piano sets the mood with a mournful melody. The second movement is the main song, in which the tenor sings the poem over a simple accompaniment. The third movement is a coda, in which the piano repeats the melody from the introduction, bringing the song to a close. The characteristics of the song are typical of Schubert's style. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a strong emphasis on the vocal line. The accompaniment is sparse, with the piano providing a gentle harmonic support. The mood is melancholic, reflecting the sadness of the soldier's death, but also uplifting, as the flag continues to wave in the wind, inspiring his comrades to fight on. Overall, "Dessen Fahne Donnerstürme wallte" is a beautiful and poignant song, which showcases Schubert's talent for setting poetry to music. It is a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift, even in the face of tragedy and loss.

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