Franz Schubert - Die Schöne Müllerin, D795 - V. Am Feierabend
Introduction[]
"Am Feieraberd" is the fifth song in Franz Schubert's song cycle Die schöne Müllerin from 1824 setting text from the poet Wilhelm Müller
Analysis[]
This piece showcase many compositional ideas prevalent in the art songs of Schubert. The first "obvious" element to this piece is the accompaniment. After the introduction, Schubert utilizes a rhythmic ostinato that creates a constant bed of sound. This of course supports the voice while still moving harmonically. (mn. 7- 20ish)
After this first section, the introduction material returns as a part of the accompaniment. Aside from this, this song serves the purpose of progressing the story of the cycle as a whole. The piano offers the accompaniment with the voice giving the text.
Comparison[]
Gustav Mahler - Kindertotenlieder
I would like to compare Schubert's song to one of Gustav Mahler's Kindertotenlieder from roughly eighty years later. Besides the difference in instrumentation, Mahler's songs offer many noticeable characteristics.
The first song in Mahler's cycle, "Nun will die Sonn' so hell aufgeh'n" features sections that alter back and forth from the vocalist as well as the ensemble. This provides quite a bit of space between text, something different than what Schubert would have done.
The next apparent difference is the harmonic language used. Mahler's harmonic language is far more chromatic compared to Schubert. Mahler's harmony seems to create more of a musical language for himself while the chromaticism used by Schubert may be strictly used to emphasis text.
Observations[]
I chose this piece because I felt it provided a good example of a "generic" Schubertian art song.
Works Cited[]
"Gustav Mahler - Kindertotenlieder " YouTube video, 28:36. Posted by "ollavogala," upload July 13, 2013. video.
"Franz Schubert - Die Schöne Müllerin, D795 - V. Am Feierabend" YouTube video, 2:25. Posted by "Wolfgang Amadé Mozart," upload February 13, 2012. video.