Composer

:

Lochamer Liederbuch Anonymous

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:37

"A peasant went to cut wood" is a German folk song that was included in the Lochamer Liederbuch, a collection of secular songs from the early 15th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written sometime between 1450 and 1470. The song is a simple, catchy tune that tells the story of a peasant who goes into the forest to cut wood. Along the way, he encounters various animals, including a rabbit, a fox, and a wolf. Each animal tries to convince the peasant to spare its life, but the peasant is determined to cut wood and pays them no heed. The song is divided into three movements, each of which corresponds to a different animal encounter. The first movement features the rabbit, who begs the peasant not to cut down the bush where it lives. The second movement features the fox, who offers to lead the peasant to a better spot for cutting wood if he will spare its life. The third movement features the wolf, who threatens to kill the peasant if he does not spare its life. Despite the threats and pleas of the animals, the peasant remains steadfast in his mission to cut wood. The song ends with the peasant returning home with his wood, having successfully navigated the dangers of the forest. One of the characteristics of "A peasant went to cut wood" is its simplicity. The melody is easy to remember and the lyrics are straightforward, making it a popular folk song that has been passed down through the generations. Another characteristic is its use of animal symbolism to convey a moral message. The animals represent different aspects of human nature, such as cunning, fear, and aggression, and the peasant represents the human desire to achieve a goal despite obstacles. Overall, "A peasant went to cut wood" is a charming and timeless folk song that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.

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