Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Nov 13, 1815

Average_duration

:

3:53

"Harfenspieler, D. 325" is a Lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1815. It was premiered in Vienna in the same year. The piece is part of a larger collection of Lieder called "Schwanengesang" (Swan Song), which was published posthumously in 1829. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is in the key of E-flat major. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody played by the harp, which is then taken up by the singer. The lyrics describe a harp player who wanders from town to town, playing his instrument and singing songs of love and loss. The music is melancholic and reflective, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is in the key of C minor. It is more lively and energetic than the first movement, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody. The lyrics describe the harp player's encounters with various people on his travels, including a young woman who falls in love with him. The music is passionate and dramatic, with sudden shifts in dynamics and tempo. The third movement is marked "Andantino" and is in the key of E-flat major. It is the shortest of the three movements and has a more subdued character than the second movement. The lyrics describe the harp player's final days, as he grows old and weary and reflects on his life. The music is gentle and introspective, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. Overall, "Harfenspieler, D. 325" is a beautiful and poignant piece of music that showcases Schubert's skill as a composer of Lieder. The use of the harp as the primary instrument gives the piece a unique and ethereal quality, while the lyrics capture the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.

More....