Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1822

Average_duration

:

4:17

"Sei mir gegrüsst" is a lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1822, with lyrics by Friedrich Rückert. It is also known as "Greetings to Thee, My Beloved" in English. The song is part of a set of three lieder, Op. 20, which were published in 1824. The song is in the key of E-flat major and has a moderate tempo. It is composed in a simple ABA form, with the A section being repeated twice. The melody is characterized by its flowing, lyrical quality, with long, sweeping phrases that are typical of Schubert's style. The piano accompaniment is also notable for its delicate, arpeggiated figures that support the vocal line. The text of the song is a love poem, expressing the speaker's longing for his beloved. The opening lines, "Sei mir gegrüsst, o Sonne!/Sei mir gegrüsst, o Meer!" ("Greetings to thee, O sun!/Greetings to thee, O sea!"), set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of nature and the beauty of the beloved. The final lines of the song, "Sei mir gegrüsst, sei mir geküsst,/Du, mein einziges Leben!" ("Greetings to thee, kisses to thee,/Thou, my only life!"), express the speaker's deep love and devotion. "Sei mir gegrüsst" was premiered in Vienna in 1824, along with the other two lieder in the Op. 20 set. The song quickly became popular and has remained a favorite of singers and audiences alike. Its simple, yet beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a staple of the lieder repertoire. Overall, "Sei mir gegrüsst" is a prime example of Schubert's skill as a composer of lieder. Its flowing melody, delicate piano accompaniment, and heartfelt lyrics make it a timeless masterpiece of the genre.

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