Despite Schubert’s short life, the compositional style between his early years and later years have ample difference. This essay will compare the difference of compositional style between Leichenfantasie, D7, an early work of Schubert and Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955 (hereinbelow referred as D955) , a later work of Schubert, in terms of historical influences and theoretical analysis.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Historical Significance of Leichenfantasie
1.1.1 Seminary encounter on Zumsteeg
1.1.2 Early Lieden: Fatality as theme
1.2 Historical Significance of Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955
1.2.1 Attempt to gain financial support
1.2.2 Syphilis and acute infectious diseases: simplified compositional style
1.2.3 Cyclothymia: yearn for God’s help
2. Harmonic usage in Leichenfantasie
3. Harmonic usage in Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955
4. Comparison on harmonic usage in Leichenfantasie and Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955
5. Phrase structure in Leichenfantasie
6. Phrase structure in Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955
7. Motivic development in Leichenfantasie and Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955
8. Form and structure in Leichenfantasie and Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955
9. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This study examines the evolution of Franz Schubert's compositional style by comparing his early work, Leichenfantasie (D7), with his later composition, Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe (D955). It investigates how personal circumstances, including health issues and financial instability, influenced his shift in musical techniques.
- Historical influences and biographical context of Schubert's early and late periods.
- Theoretical analysis of harmonic usage, specifically the use of major/minor triads versus dissonance and resolution.
- Comparative examination of phrase structures and motivic development between early and late works.
- The impact of psychological states and physical health on compositional simplification.
Excerpt from the Book
Syphilis and acute infectious diseases: simplified compositional style
Schubert’s simplified compositional style in summer 1828 may have also reflected his quickly deteriorating health as Schubert may have found it arduous to give the level of effort similar to what he has given to his previous works. Professor Peter Gilroy Bevan asserts that in 1828 Schubert may have already been in the advanced stage of syphilis, which may have triggered an immune deficiency syndrome similar to that of AIDS can trigger (as cited in Newbould, 1997, p.276). Dr Robert Kruth suggests one or more type of acute infectious disease may have caused Schubert’s death following such immuno-suppression (as cited in Newbould, 1997, p.276). Contracted in 1822, to Schubert syphilis may have already been a routine, but these acute diseases could have been a blow for Schubert in summer 1828, which contributed to his suddenly simplified composition style over his very late works, and later a direct cause to his death.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides biographical and historical context regarding the composition of Leichenfantasie and Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, highlighting the impact of seminary years and financial pressure.
2. Harmonic usage in Leichenfantasie: Analyzes the use of major and minor triad juxtapositions to depict themes of death and hopelessness.
3. Harmonic usage in Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955: Explores the use of semitonal modification and augmented sixth chords to convey themes of faith and hope.
4. Comparison on harmonic usage in Leichenfantasie and Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955: Contrasts the earlier reliance on major-minor shifts with the later, more sophisticated use of tritones.
5. Phrase structure in Leichenfantasie: Discusses the orderly, through-composed phrase structures found in Schubert's early ballad-style writing.
6. Phrase structure in Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955: Examines the shift toward asymmetrical, developmental phrase structures in later works.
7. Motivic development in Leichenfantasie and Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955: Details the move from lack of motivic development to a structured approach based on recurring motifs in D955.
8. Form and structure in Leichenfantasie and Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955: Summarizes the evolution from the through-composed ballad style to developmental forms like AA’A’A’’.
9. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that health and external factors significantly shaped the stylistic progression of Schubert's work.
Keywords
Franz Schubert, Leichenfantasie, D7, Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe, D955, Compositional Style, Harmonic Analysis, Motivic Development, Through-composed, Romantic Era, Classical Tonality, Musicology, Seminary Years, Cyclothymia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the stylistic development of Franz Schubert by comparing his early lied Leichenfantasie (1811) with his late composition Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe (1828).
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include historical influences on the composer, the impact of his declining health and financial status, and a detailed theoretical analysis of his evolving musical techniques.
What is the primary research goal of the author?
The goal is to demonstrate how Schubert's compositional style transitioned from the early ballad-influence to later developmental structures, reflecting his personal life and physical health.
Which scientific methods are employed in this analysis?
The author uses historical-biographical research combined with comparative musicological analysis, including harmonic breakdown and examination of phrase structure and motivic development.
What specific elements are analyzed in the main body?
The main body focuses on the technical aspects of the pieces, specifically chord progression, the use of augmented sixth chords, the organization of phrase structures, and the structural form of the lieder.
Which keywords best describe this study?
The study is characterized by keywords such as Schubert, Leichenfantasie, D955, compositional evolution, harmonic analysis, motivic development, and Romantic era music.
How did Schubert’s health influence his composition style?
The paper argues that his struggle with syphilis and related infectious diseases contributed to a "simplified" compositional style in his final year of life.
What is the significance of the "faith, hope and love" text in D955?
Beyond potential financial reasons for composing religious-toned music, the author suggests this work reflects Schubert's own yearning for recovery from his psychological and physical suffering.
How does the harmonic usage differ between the two analyzed pieces?
While the early work relies on contrasting major and minor triads to express fading hope, the later work employs more complex techniques like semitonal modification and resolution to signify emerging hope.
- Quote paper
- Bachelor of Education (Music) Kwan Lung Chan (Author), 2016, Historical and Theoretical Analysis on Schubert’s "Leichenfantasie" (D7) and "Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe" (D955), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/448148
