Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

May 1817

Average_duration

:

2:14

"Der Goldschmiedsgesell" (The Goldsmith's Apprentice) is a song composed by Franz Schubert in 1817. It was premiered in Vienna in the same year. The song is set to a poem by Johann Baptist Mayrhofer, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Schubert. The song is in three movements, with a total duration of approximately 10 minutes. The first movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is in the key of C major. It begins with a lively piano introduction, followed by the entrance of the singer. The vocal melody is light and playful, with a rhythmic accompaniment in the piano. The text tells the story of a goldsmith's apprentice who falls in love with a beautiful girl, but is rejected by her because of his lowly station in life. The second movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is in the key of A minor. It begins with a mournful piano introduction, followed by the entrance of the singer. The vocal melody is slow and melancholy, with a simple accompaniment in the piano. The text describes the apprentice's despair at being rejected by the girl he loves. The third movement is marked "Allegro vivace" and is in the key of C major. It begins with a lively piano introduction, followed by the entrance of the singer. The vocal melody is fast and energetic, with a lively accompaniment in the piano. The text describes the apprentice's determination to succeed in his craft and win the girl's love. Overall, "Der Goldschmiedsgesell" is a charming and engaging song, with a lively and playful first movement, a mournful and introspective second movement, and a triumphant and energetic third movement. Schubert's skillful use of melody and harmony, combined with Mayrhofer's evocative poetry, make this song a true masterpiece of the art song genre.

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