11.3 Analysis of key works: "Erlkönig" and "Death and the Maiden"

Schubert's "Erlkönig" and "Death and the Maiden" are pivotal works in the Lieder genre. These compositions showcase his mastery of text-setting, dramatic storytelling, and emotional expression through music.

Both pieces demonstrate Schubert's innovative approach to composition, blending piano and voice to create powerful narratives. They exemplify his ability to convey complex emotions and themes, solidifying his place as a master of the Lied form.

Musical Elements of "Erlkönig" and "Death and the Maiden"

Structure and Composition of "Erlkönig"

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• Through-composed Lied written for voice and piano by Franz Schubert in 1815, set to a text by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
• Features a fast, driving piano accompaniment in triplets that creates a sense of urgency and forward motion
• Piano part represents the galloping horse and the ominous presence of the Erlking
• Vocal line portrays the characters of the narrator, father, son, and the Erlking through changes in register, dynamics, and articulation

Structure and Composition of "Death and the Maiden"

• Song cycle for voice and piano composed by Schubert in 1824, setting poems by Matthias Claudius
• Consists of four songs that explore the theme of a young woman's encounter with Death
• String quartet "Death and the Maiden" (D. 810), composed by Schubert in 1824, is based on the theme from the second song of the earlier song cycle
• Quartet is structured in four movements: Allegro, Andante con moto, Scherzo, and Presto
• Second movement of the quartet features a set of variations on the theme from the eponymous song, showcasing Schubert's skill in developing and transforming musical material

Text-Music Relationship in Lieder

Text-Music Relationship in "Erlkönig"

• Schubert uses the piano accompaniment and vocal line to vividly depict the characters and events described in Goethe's text
• Galloping triplets in the piano evoke the horse's frantic ride, while the Erlking's seductive melody contrasts with the child's fearful cries and the father's reassuring words
• Text-music relationship is further enhanced by Schubert's use of word painting (ascending vocal line on the word "streicht" to mimic the Erlking's gesture)
• Dissonant chords in the piano when the child cries out in terror emphasize the emotional impact of the text

Text-Music Relationship in "Death and the Maiden"

• Schubert's music reflects the emotional journey of the protagonist as she confronts Death
• First song, "Das Mädchen," features a gentle, resigned melody that underscores the maiden's initial acceptance of her fate
• Second song, "Der Tod," introduces the ominous theme that later forms the basis for the string quartet, with stark, repeated chords in the piano and a declamatory vocal line conveying Death's unyielding presence
• Final two songs, "Vorüber" and "Der Müller und der Bach," offer a sense of transfiguration and peace, with the music shifting to major keys and featuring more lyrical, consoling melodies

Emotional Impact of Lieder

Emotional Impact of "Erlkönig"

• Renowned for its powerful emotional impact, achieved through the relentless piano accompaniment, which maintains a sense of urgency and tension throughout the piece
• Vocal line's rapid shifts between characters and the increasingly desperate pleas of the child contribute to the dramatic intensity
• Schubert's use of chromaticism, dissonance, and dynamic contrasts heightens the sense of fear, danger, and ultimately, tragedy
• Abrupt ending, with the father's realization that his child has died, is punctuated by a final, haunting piano chord

Emotional Impact of "Death and the Maiden"

• Song cycle explores a range of emotions, from resignation and fear to acceptance and transfiguration, effectively conveyed through changes in melody, harmony, and accompaniment
• String quartet variations on the second movement's theme allow for a deeper exploration of the emotional content, ranging from somber and introspective to agitated and intense
• Quartet's final movement, marked Presto, features a frenetic, tarantella-like rhythm that could be interpreted as a dance with Death, contributing to the work's overall dramatic impact

Influence of Lieder on Musical Genres

Influence of "Erlkönig" on the German Lied

• Considered a seminal work in the development of the German Lied, showcasing Schubert's innovative approach to text setting and his ability to create a dramatic narrative through music
• Demonstrated the potential for the Lied to convey complex emotions and tell compelling stories, inspiring other composers (Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, and Hugo Wolf) to further refine and expand the genre
• Popularity and impact of "Erlkönig" paved the way for future composers to explore the possibilities of the genre

Influence of "Death and the Maiden" on Chamber Music

• Song cycle is a significant contribution to the Lied repertoire, showcasing Schubert's ability to create a cohesive narrative across multiple songs and setting a precedent for later song cycles (Schumann and Mahler)
• String quartet is a landmark work in the chamber music repertoire, demonstrating Schubert's mastery of the genre and his innovative approach to thematic development and variation form
• Integration of material from the earlier song cycle represents a significant compositional technique, foreshadowing the use of cyclical form and thematic transformation (Liszt, Franck, and Brahms)
• Emotional intensity and dramatic scope of the quartet expanded the expressive possibilities of chamber music, influencing future composers and setting a new standard for the string quartet genre