Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1809

Average_duration

:

2:04

"Der Jüngling in der Fremde" (The Youth in a Foreign Land), WoO 138, is a song composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1816. It was originally written for voice and piano and is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The song was first performed in Vienna in 1816 and was later published in 1825 as part of a collection of Beethoven's songs. It is a relatively short piece, lasting only about two minutes, and is composed in the key of E-flat major. The song is divided into two distinct sections, each with its own unique character. The first section is slow and contemplative, with a mournful melody that reflects the sadness and loneliness of the young man in the foreign land. The second section is faster and more lively, with a more upbeat melody that suggests a sense of hope and optimism. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a young man who has left his home and family to travel to a foreign land. He is filled with a sense of longing and homesickness, and he yearns to return to the familiar surroundings of his youth. Despite his sadness, however, he remains hopeful that he will one day be reunited with his loved ones. Musically, "Der Jüngling in der Fremde" is characterized by its simple, yet powerful melody and its use of dynamic contrasts to convey the emotional content of the lyrics. The song is also notable for its use of chromaticism, which adds a sense of tension and drama to the music. Overall, "Der Jüngling in der Fremde" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Beethoven's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its timeless themes of longing, homesickness, and hope continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a beloved piece of classical music.

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