Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Jan 1827

Average_duration

:

3:47

"Zur guten Nacht" is a lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1827, with lyrics by Matthias Claudius. It is the third song in Schubert's Opus 81, a collection of six songs for voice and piano. The song is in the key of E-flat major and has a moderate tempo. The song is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first movement is a slow and melancholic introduction, with the piano playing a simple and repetitive accompaniment while the singer sings the first stanza of the poem. The second movement is more lively and features a more complex piano accompaniment. The singer sings the second and third stanzas of the poem, which describe the beauty of the night and the stars. The final movement returns to the slow and melancholic mood of the introduction, with the singer repeating the first stanza of the poem. The song is characterized by Schubert's use of simple and repetitive piano accompaniment, which creates a sense of melancholy and longing. The melody is also simple and repetitive, with the singer repeating the same melody for each stanza of the poem. However, Schubert's use of harmony and modulation adds depth and complexity to the song, creating a sense of tension and release. The lyrics of "Zur guten Nacht" are a poem by Matthias Claudius, a German poet and journalist. The poem describes the beauty of the night and the stars, and the singer expresses a sense of longing and sadness as they bid farewell to the night. The poem is a reflection on the transience of life and the beauty of the natural world. "Zur guten Nacht" was premiered in Vienna in 1827, shortly before Schubert's death. The song has since become a popular and beloved piece in the classical repertoire, and has been performed and recorded by many singers and pianists. Its simple and melancholic melody and its reflection on the beauty of the natural world continue to resonate with audiences today.

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