Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Mar 1828

Average_duration

:

9:15

Auf dem Strom, D. 943, Op. posth. 119 is a chamber work composed by Franz Schubert in 1828, just a few months before his death. It is a song for tenor voice, horn, and piano, and it is considered one of Schubert's most beautiful and poignant compositions. The premiere of Auf dem Strom took place on February 19, 1828, at a private concert in Vienna. The performers were the tenor singer Ludwig Tietze, the horn player Josef Rudolf Lewy, and Schubert himself at the piano. The piece was well received by the audience, and it soon became a favorite among Schubert's contemporaries. Auf dem Strom consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is marked "Andante," and it begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the horn. The tenor voice enters soon after, singing a poem by Ludwig Rellstab that describes a lonely traveler on a river, longing for his lost love. The piano provides a delicate accompaniment, adding to the melancholic atmosphere of the piece. The second movement is marked "Allegro," and it is more lively and energetic than the first. The horn and piano engage in a playful dialogue, while the tenor voice sings a new poem by Rellstab that describes the joy of being reunited with a loved one. The music is full of exuberance and optimism, reflecting the happiness of the protagonist. The third and final movement is marked "Allegro moderato," and it returns to the melancholic mood of the first. The horn plays a mournful melody, while the tenor voice sings a poem by Wilhelm Müller that describes the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The piano provides a somber accompaniment, adding to the sense of loss and sadness. Overall, Auf dem Strom is a masterpiece of chamber music, showcasing Schubert's skill as a composer and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through music. Its combination of tenor voice, horn, and piano is unusual but effective, creating a unique and unforgettable sound. The piece is a testament to Schubert's genius and his enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of all time.

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