Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Jul 5, 1815

Average_duration

:

2:07

"Erster Verlust" (First Loss) is a lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1815, when he was just 18 years old. It is the fourth song in his Opus 5, a collection of six songs for voice and piano. The song is set to a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a young man who has just experienced his first heartbreak. The song is in A-flat major and has a simple, strophic structure, with the same melody repeated for each verse. The piano accompaniment is delicate and understated, with a gentle arpeggio pattern that supports the vocal line without overpowering it. The vocal melody is lyrical and expressive, with a range of emotions conveyed through subtle changes in phrasing and dynamics. The song is divided into three verses, each of which explores a different aspect of the young man's experience. In the first verse, he reflects on the pain of his first loss, describing how he feels as though a part of him has been torn away. In the second verse, he remembers the happy times he shared with his beloved, and wonders if he will ever find love again. In the final verse, he resolves to move on from his heartbreak, acknowledging that life goes on and that he must learn to live without his lost love. Overall, "Erster Verlust" is a poignant and introspective song that captures the universal experience of first love and heartbreak. Despite its simplicity, it is a masterful example of Schubert's ability to convey complex emotions through music, and remains a beloved piece in the lieder repertoire.

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