Song an Die Muzik, Written

¶ … song an Die Muzik, written by Franz Schubert. The performance I based my interpretation on was by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau accompanied by Gerald Moore on the piano. This piece particularly moved me as Fischer-Dieskau's interpretation is flawless and the subject of the poetry (the art of music) is something I can dearly relate to. The lyrics are addressed directly "to music," which is also the translated title of the German text. In short, von Schober wrote this text in what seems to be an homage to music, praising its delights and how it has helped the author to reach happier meadows through its beauty.

The song opens and moves forward until the end with solid chords being played continuously, in addition to distinct bass line most likely played with the left hand on the piano. The musical accompaniment is written in a major tonality, which helps the listener understand the love and affection of the author for music in itself -- even though the first lyrics are quite dark in essence (in countless gray and darkened hours), the supporting harmony still offers a restful and peaceful sound, as to put both the performer and listener at ease. Another aspect in which Schubert has successfully transformed the poetry in a musical experience lies in the melodic lines. For example, most of the higher notes seem to underline a strong word -- in a few instances, higher notes are held on words such as "heart with love," "a better world," "heavens," etc. Held notes at the peak of a melodic line create a very interesting effect for the listener and attract attention to the words being sung at that particular moment. All the words or sentences aforementioned have a positive and loving connotation, which is well in line with the general meaning of the text -- thanking the art of music for its beauty and grace.