Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Nov 1816

Average_duration

:

2:01

Herbstlied, D. 502 is a beautiful and melancholic song composed by Franz Schubert in 1816. The song is also known as "Lied des gefangenen Jägers" or "Song of the Captive Hunter". It was composed for voice and piano and is one of Schubert's most popular Lieder. The song premiered in Vienna in 1821, and it is part of a collection of songs known as Schubert's "Schwanengesang" or "Swan Song". The song has three movements, and it is characterized by its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics. The first movement of the song begins with a slow and mournful introduction played by the piano. The singer then enters with the first verse, which describes the beauty of autumn and the sadness that comes with the changing of the seasons. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending line that emphasizes the melancholic mood of the song. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more cheerful melody. The lyrics describe the joy of hunting and the thrill of the chase, but there is still a sense of sadness and longing in the music. The final movement returns to the slow and mournful mood of the first movement. The lyrics describe the hunter's captivity and his longing for freedom. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending line that emphasizes the hunter's sadness and despair. Overall, Herbstlied, D. 502 is a beautiful and haunting song that captures the melancholic mood of autumn. Schubert's simple and repetitive melodies, combined with the poignant lyrics, create a powerful emotional impact that has made this song a favorite of classical music lovers for over 200 years.

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