Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Oct 19, 1815

Average_duration

:

2:37

"An den Mond" in A major, D. 311 is a Lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1815. The piece was premiered in Vienna in 1821. The song is set to a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which describes the moon as a symbol of unrequited love. The piece is in A major and has a simple, strophic structure with three verses. The first movement of the piece is marked "Andante molto" and begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the piano. The vocal line enters with the first verse, which describes the moon as a "silent friend" who listens to the speaker's woes. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a gentle rise and fall that mirrors the ebb and flow of the speaker's emotions. The second movement is marked "Allegretto" and begins with a more lively piano accompaniment. The vocal line enters with the second verse, which describes the moon as a "faithful lover" who shines on the speaker's beloved. The melody is more playful and upbeat, with a lilting rhythm that suggests the speaker's hopefulness. The final movement is marked "Andante" and returns to the gentle, flowing melody of the first movement. The vocal line enters with the third and final verse, which describes the moon as a "cold and distant" object that cannot bring the speaker's beloved any closer. The melody is more melancholy and introspective, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. Overall, "An den Mond" is a simple and elegant Lied that captures the bittersweet emotions of unrequited love. Schubert's use of a strophic structure and simple melodies allows the poem's words to take center stage, while his subtle shifts in tempo and mood add depth and nuance to the piece.

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