Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1815 - 1816

Average_duration

:

15:20

"Klage der Ceres" (Lament of Ceres) is a vocal work composed by Franz Schubert in 1815. The piece is a setting of a poem by Johann Mayrhofer, which tells the story of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, mourning the loss of her daughter Proserpina, who was abducted by Pluto, the god of the underworld. The piece was premiered in Vienna in 1821, and consists of a single movement for solo voice and piano. The vocal part is written for a mezzo-soprano, and the piano accompaniment is relatively simple, with a mournful, repetitive melody that underscores the sorrowful text. The piece is characterized by its melancholic and mournful tone, which is conveyed through the use of minor keys and slow, mournful melodies. The vocal part is highly expressive, with long, sustained notes and frequent use of vibrato to convey the depth of Ceres' grief. The text of the piece is highly poetic, with vivid imagery and a strong emotional impact. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the entire piece: "The fields are barren, the flowers are dead, / The earth is cold, and the sky is gray. / Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, weeps, / For her daughter has been taken away." Overall, "Klage der Ceres" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Schubert's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it a favorite among fans of Schubert's lieder, and it remains a popular choice for mezzo-sopranos looking to showcase their vocal and emotional range.

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