Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Aug 19, 1815

Average_duration

:

2:06

"Heidenröslein" is a Lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1815. It is the third song in his Opus 3, a collection of six Lieder. The text is a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a young man who picks a wild rose in a meadow, only to be pricked by its thorns. The rose then taunts him, saying that it is not to blame for his pain, but rather his own desire. The song is composed in a simple strophic form, with the same melody repeated for each verse. The piano accompaniment is also relatively simple, with a steady rhythm and a few decorative flourishes. However, Schubert's use of harmony and melody is masterful, creating a sense of tension and release that perfectly captures the emotional content of the poem. The first movement of the song begins with a gentle piano introduction, setting the mood for the romantic and pastoral setting of the poem. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a rising and falling contour that reflects the natural beauty of the meadow. The second movement introduces a more dramatic element, as the young man picks the rose and is pricked by its thorns. The melody becomes more angular and dissonant, reflecting the pain and frustration of the protagonist. The third movement is the most memorable and iconic, as the rose taunts the young man with its innocent beauty. The melody is simple and repetitive, but Schubert's use of harmony creates a sense of irony and bitterness that perfectly captures the emotional content of the poem. The final movement returns to the gentle and pastoral mood of the opening, as the young man reflects on his experience and the beauty of the meadow. Overall, "Heidenröslein" is a masterful example of Schubert's skill as a composer of Lieder. Its simple melody and strophic form belie the complexity of its harmony and emotional content, making it a timeless classic of the genre.

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