Tune in Today: Schubert and the History of the Lied

In this popular composer’s lied, the dreamer awakens, longing for spring.

"Schubertiade," 1897, by Julius Schmid. Informal musical sessions were often held in private homes by Schubert's friends and patrons, reflecting the Romantic-era salon culture. Public Domain

Alone in the harsh winter, our protagonist dreams of colorful flowers blooming in spring. The piano begins in the time signature of 6/8, a sprightly melody dancing atop a rising bass. The bright key of A major further brightens, as a succession of major chords sets the table for the singer to enter. “Ich träumte von bunten Blumen,/ So wie sie wohl blühen im Mai,” the tenor sings.

Tenor Jonas Kaufmann and pianist Helmut Deutsch perform Franz Schubert’s “Frühlingstraum” (“Dream of Spring”), the 11th song of the “Winterreise.” (Listen here.)

The ‘Lied’

Enter the musical soundscape of the early 19th century, when passion and lyricism—hallmarks of the Romantic movement—came into the spotlight. Romanticism was a reaction to the Classical period, focusing on nature and the expression of the inner self over structural balance and form. With the coming of Romanticism came the popularity of both new and expanding and deepening old musical forms, one of which was the German “lied,” or art song.