Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1828

Average_duration

:

2:59

"Die Stadt" is the eleventh and final song in Franz Schubert's song cycle "Schwanengesang," D. 957. The song was composed in 1828, just a few months before Schubert's death. It premiered posthumously in 1829, along with the rest of the "Schwanengesang" cycle. The song is set to a poem by Ludwig Rellstab, and it tells the story of a man wandering through a deserted city at night. The city is empty and silent, and the man is haunted by memories of a lost love. As he walks through the empty streets, he is tormented by the thought that his love may be with someone else. The song is in the key of C minor and is marked "Langsam" (slow). It is a through-composed song, meaning that it does not have a traditional verse-chorus structure. Instead, the music follows the narrative of the poem, with changes in tempo and mood to reflect the man's changing emotions. The song is characterized by its haunting melody and melancholy mood. Schubert uses chromatic harmonies and dissonant chords to create a sense of unease and tension. The piano accompaniment is sparse and atmospheric, with long, sustained chords and delicate arpeggios. The song is divided into three sections. The first section sets the scene, with the man wandering through the deserted city. The second section is more agitated, as the man becomes increasingly tormented by his thoughts. The final section is a return to the opening melody, but with a sense of resignation and acceptance. Overall, "Die Stadt" is a powerful and moving song, and a fitting conclusion to Schubert's "Schwanengesang" cycle. Its haunting melody and melancholy mood have made it a favorite of singers and audiences alike.

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