Composer

:

Oswald von Wolkenstein

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

3:48

"Gar wunniklich hat si mein herz besessen" is a medieval German song composed by Oswald von Wolkenstein, a prominent poet and composer of the 14th and 15th centuries. The song is part of the Klage (Lament) section of his songbook, which contains 128 songs in total. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the early 15th century. The song was likely composed for a specific occasion, possibly a courtly love affair or a personal lament. The song is written in Middle High German and consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The melody is in a simple, strophic form, with each stanza set to the same melody. The song is performed by a solo singer accompanied by a lute or other plucked string instrument. The first stanza of the song describes the singer's intense love for a woman who has captured his heart. He describes her as "wonderful" and "perfect," and laments that he can no longer be with her. The second stanza continues this theme, with the singer expressing his sadness and longing for his lost love. The final stanza is a plea to God for mercy and forgiveness, as the singer acknowledges that his love for this woman has caused him to sin. The song is notable for its emotional intensity and its use of vivid imagery to convey the singer's feelings. The melody is simple and repetitive, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrics. The song is also notable for its use of the first-person perspective, which gives it a personal and intimate quality. Overall, "Gar wunniklich hat si mein herz besessen" is a beautiful and poignant example of medieval German poetry and music. Its themes of love, loss, and redemption are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences today.

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