Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1827

Average_duration

:

4:05

"Der Lindenbaum" is a Lied (art song) composed by Franz Schubert in 1827 as part of his song cycle "Winterreise" (Winter Journey), D. 911. The song cycle consists of 24 songs, all set to poems by Wilhelm Müller, and tells the story of a young man who leaves his home and wanders through a winter landscape, experiencing feelings of loneliness, despair, and longing. "Der Lindenbaum" is the fifth song in the cycle and is set in a minor key, reflecting the melancholic mood of the protagonist. The song begins with a gentle, flowing piano accompaniment that evokes the rustling of leaves in the wind. The singer then enters, singing the first verse in a soft, introspective tone. The lyrics describe a linden tree that stands outside the protagonist's window, and how its branches seem to beckon him to come and rest beneath its shade. The second verse describes how the protagonist used to play beneath the linden tree as a child, and how he would carve his initials into its bark. The third verse reveals that the protagonist is now a wanderer, and that he is drawn to the linden tree as a symbol of his lost childhood and the home he has left behind. The final verse ends with the protagonist asking the tree if it will still be there to welcome him when he returns. The song is notable for its simple, yet poignant melody, which perfectly captures the wistful mood of the lyrics. The piano accompaniment is also highly evocative, with its gentle arpeggios and subtle shifts in harmony. The song is often performed as a standalone piece, and has become one of Schubert's most popular Lieder. "Der Lindenbaum" was first performed in Vienna in 1828, shortly after Schubert's death. It has since been recorded by numerous artists and has been featured in several films and television shows. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Schubert's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of human emotion in his music.

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