Romantic Lieder and the Search for Lost Paradise

This book examines the theme of lost paradise in Lieder by nineteenth-century composers including Franz Schubert.

Marjorie W. Hirsch (Author)

9781107405370, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 July 2012

322 pages
24.4 x 17 x 1.7 cm, 0.52 kg

The archetypal myth of lost paradise, found in both civilized and primitive cultures throughout history, was central to Enlightenment and Romantic thought, influencing philosophical, literary, artistic and musical works. This book explores manifestations of the lost paradise myth in Lieder by Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Hugo Wolf and other nineteenth-century composers, with emphasis on works conveying nostalgia for classical antiquity, childhood, and folk song. Through a series of autonomous yet interrelated studies, Marjorie Hirsch examines the myth's influence on the origins and development of the Romantic Lied. The book thus takes a thematic approach to the study of Romantic Lieder, with introductory sections supplying historical context for analyses of individual songs or small groups of songs expressing nostalgia for lost paradise in various guises.

Introduction: seeking lost paradise
Part I. The Lost World of Antiquity: 1. Schubert's Greek revival
2. Goethe, Wolf, and the lure of immortality
Part II. The Lost World of Childhood: 3. Sleep and death in Schubert's lullabies
4. Brahms's spiral journey back home
Part III. The Lost World of Folk Song: 5. Schubert's songs-within-songs
6. On wings of song from Reichardt to Mahler.

Subject Areas: Music [AV]