Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Oct 19, 1814

Average_duration

:

3:42

"Gretchen am Spinnrade" is a Lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1814, based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It was Schubert's first published work, and it premiered in Vienna in 1821. The song is in A minor and has a simple structure, consisting of a single strophic verse and a coda. The piano accompaniment imitates the sound of a spinning wheel, with a constant rhythmic pattern and a repetitive melody that creates a sense of monotony and obsession. The vocal line, on the other hand, is highly expressive and varied, reflecting the emotional turmoil of the protagonist. The poem tells the story of Gretchen, a young woman who is spinning wool while thinking about her lover, Faust. She is torn between her love for him and her fear of being abandoned, and her thoughts become increasingly obsessive and desperate as the song progresses. Schubert's music captures this psychological drama with great sensitivity, using subtle changes in harmony, rhythm, and dynamics to convey Gretchen's shifting moods and emotions. The song is divided into three main sections, each of which corresponds to a different stage in Gretchen's emotional journey. The first section is marked by a sense of longing and anticipation, as Gretchen imagines Faust's return and longs for his presence. The second section is more agitated and restless, as Gretchen's doubts and fears begin to take hold. The final section is the most intense and dramatic, as Gretchen's emotions reach a climax and she becomes overwhelmed by her feelings. Overall, "Gretchen am Spinnrade" is a masterpiece of Romantic Lieder, combining Schubert's gift for melody and harmony with Goethe's profound understanding of human psychology. It remains one of Schubert's most popular and beloved works, and a testament to his genius as a composer.

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