Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Dance

Compose Date

:

Sep 1827

Average_duration

:

5:45

"Ein altschottische Ballade" (An Old Scottish Ballad) is a song composed by Franz Schubert in 1827. It is the fifth movement of his Opus 165, a collection of songs for voice and piano. The song is based on a poem by Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish novelist and poet. The premiere of "Ein altschottische Ballade" is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been performed in private circles during Schubert's lifetime. The song was not published until after Schubert's death in 1828. The song is in A minor and has a slow, mournful tempo. It is divided into three sections, each with a different melody and mood. The first section is marked "Andante con moto" and features a simple, repetitive piano accompaniment. The second section is marked "Poco più lento" and is more lyrical, with the piano playing arpeggios and the voice singing a melody that rises and falls dramatically. The third section is marked "Tempo I" and returns to the melody of the first section, but with a more intense and emotional delivery. The lyrics of "Ein altschottische Ballade" tell the story of a young woman who is mourning the loss of her lover. She wanders through the forest, calling out his name and lamenting her fate. The song is notable for its use of Scottish dialect and its vivid imagery of the natural world. Overall, "Ein altschottische Ballade" is a haunting and melancholy song that showcases Schubert's skill at setting poetry to music. Its simple yet powerful melody and emotional depth have made it a favorite of singers and audiences alike.

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