Franz Schubert composed his lied "An die Musik" (German for "To Music") in March 1817 for solo voice and piano, with text from a poem by his friend Franz von Schober. In the Deutsch catalog of Schubert's works it is number 547, or D547. The original key is D major.[1] It was published in 1827 as Opus 88 No. 4 by Weigl. Schubert dedicated the song to the Viennese piano virtuoso Albert Sowinsky on April 24, 1827, a decade after he composed it.[2]
A hymn to the art of music, it is one of the best-known songs by Schubert. Its greatness and popularity are generally attributed to its harmonic simplicity, sweeping melody, and a strong bass line that effectively underpins the vocal line.
Original German | English Translation |
---|---|
Du holde Kunst, in wieviel grauen Stunden, Oft hat ein Seufzer, deiner Harf' entflossen,
| Oh lovely Art, in how many grey hours, How often has a sigh escaping from your harp, Oh lovely Art, for that I thank you! |