Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Jul 8, 1815

Average_duration

:

1:42

Das Sehnen, D. 231, Op. posth. 172/4 is a Lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1815. It was premiered in Vienna in the same year. The piece is part of a collection of songs known as the Schubert's Schwanengesang, which was published posthumously in 1829. The song is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. It is in the key of A-flat major and has a moderate tempo. The piece is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section begins with a gentle and flowing melody in the piano. The voice enters with a simple and plaintive melody that expresses a longing or yearning. The lyrics speak of a desire to be reunited with a loved one who is far away. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a rising and falling pattern that creates a sense of tension and release. The second section is more dramatic and intense. The piano accompaniment becomes more complex, with arpeggios and chromatic harmonies that create a sense of restlessness and urgency. The voice rises to a higher register and sings with more passion and intensity. The lyrics speak of the pain of separation and the longing for the beloved's return. The final section returns to the gentle and flowing melody of the opening. The voice sings a variation of the first melody, but with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The lyrics speak of the hope that the beloved will return someday, but also acknowledge the possibility that they may never be reunited. The piece ends with a gentle and peaceful resolution. Overall, Das Sehnen is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the emotions of longing and separation. Schubert's use of simple melodies and harmonies, combined with more complex and dramatic sections, creates a sense of emotional depth and complexity. The piece is a testament to Schubert's skill as a composer of Lieder and his ability to express the deepest emotions through music.

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