Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1828

Average_duration

:

5:46

"In der Ferne" is a Lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1828, as part of his song cycle "Schwanengesang". The premiere of the song cycle was on January 29, 1829, in Vienna, with the tenor Johann Michael Vogl and Schubert himself at the piano. "In der Ferne" is the sixth song of the cycle and is set to a poem by Ludwig Rellstab. The song is in A-flat major and has a slow tempo. It is characterized by its melancholic and introspective mood, which is conveyed through the use of chromatic harmonies and a descending melodic line. The song is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section begins with a piano introduction that sets the mood for the song. The vocal line enters with the words "Wehe dem Fliehenden!" ("Woe to the fugitive!"), which are repeated several times throughout the song. The melody is characterized by a descending line that creates a sense of longing and sadness. The second section begins with the words "Wie sich die Bilder gleichen" ("How the images resemble each other"), which are set to a more upbeat melody. The piano accompaniment is more lively and features a dotted rhythm that creates a sense of movement. However, the mood quickly returns to melancholy with the repetition of the opening phrase. The final section begins with the words "Und ich kann nicht meiden" ("And I cannot avoid"), which are set to a more agitated melody. The piano accompaniment is more dissonant and features a descending chromatic line that creates a sense of unease. The song ends with a repetition of the opening phrase, which fades away into silence. Overall, "In der Ferne" is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the sense of longing and melancholy that is characteristic of Schubert's music. Its introspective mood and chromatic harmonies make it a quintessential example of Schubert's late style.

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