Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Part Song

Compose Date

:

1849

Average_duration

:

3:38

"Schneider Tod" or "Schnitter Tod" is a song cycle composed by Robert Schumann, Op. 75/1. The cycle was composed in 1849 and premiered in the same year. The cycle consists of six movements, each of which is a setting of a poem by various poets. The first movement, "Der bleiche Wanderer," is a setting of a poem by Ludwig Uhland. The poem tells the story of a pale wanderer who appears to a young girl and tells her that he is Death. The music is haunting and melancholic, with a slow and mournful melody. The second movement, "Die beiden Grenadiere," is a setting of a poem by Heinrich Heine. The poem tells the story of two soldiers who are captured by the enemy and sentenced to death. The music is dramatic and intense, with a driving rhythm and powerful harmonies. The third movement, "Das Blumenstück," is a setting of a poem by Emanuel Geibel. The poem describes a beautiful flower that is picked and then withers away. The music is delicate and fragile, with a gentle melody and soft harmonies. The fourth movement, "Der Tamboursg'sell," is a setting of a poem by Ludwig Uhland. The poem tells the story of a drummer boy who is killed in battle. The music is martial and energetic, with a driving rhythm and powerful harmonies. The fifth movement, "Die beiden Wurzeln," is a setting of a poem by Friedrich Rückert. The poem describes two trees that grow side by side, but one is cut down and the other withers away. The music is mournful and melancholic, with a slow and mournful melody. The final movement, "Der hussar," is a setting of a poem by Justinus Kerner. The poem tells the story of a hussar who is killed in battle. The music is dramatic and intense, with a driving rhythm and powerful harmonies. Overall, "Schnitter Tod" is a powerful and emotional song cycle that explores the themes of death and mortality. The music is varied and expressive, with each movement offering a different perspective on the subject. Schumann's use of poetry adds an extra layer of meaning to the music, making it a rich and rewarding listening experience.

More....