Friedrich Silcher
Der König von Thule
Works Info
Composer:Friedrich SilcherGenre:MiscellaneousStyle:MiscellaneousAverage_duration:3:11"Der König von Thule" is a German folk song that was composed by Friedrich Silcher in the early 19th century. The song is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a king who is deeply in love with his deceased wife. The song was first published in 1827 and quickly became popular throughout Germany. The song is written in a simple, strophic form, with each verse consisting of four lines. The melody is simple and easy to sing, with a gentle, lilting rhythm that reflects the melancholy mood of the lyrics. The song is typically performed with a solo singer accompanied by a piano or guitar. The premiere of "Der König von Thule" is not known, as it was originally published as a folk song and was likely performed in various settings throughout Germany. However, the song has been recorded by many famous singers and has been performed in countless concerts and recitals. The song is divided into three movements, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first movement introduces the king and his love for his deceased wife. The second movement describes the king's final moments, as he drinks a toast to his wife and then dies. The third movement reflects on the king's legacy and the enduring power of his love. The characteristics of "Der König von Thule" are typical of German folk songs from the Romantic era. The song is characterized by its simple melody, gentle rhythm, and melancholy mood. The lyrics are deeply emotional and reflect the Romantic ideal of intense, passionate love. The song is also notable for its use of imagery, particularly in the second movement, which describes the king's final moments in vivid detail. Overall, "Der König von Thule" is a beautiful and haunting song that has captured the hearts of generations of listeners. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotions and connect us to the past.More....