Lecture Notes on Schubert's "Der Lindenbaum"

Introduction

• Song: "Der Lindenbaum" by Schubert
• Part of Schubert's song cycle "Winterreise."
• Theme: Duality between past and present, major and minor modes, and classical and folk idioms.

The Linden Tree in German Art

• Symbolizes rendezvous for lovers and a positive representation of nature.
• Wilhelm Müller, the poet, likely aware of this cultural symbolism.

Song Analysis

Introduction

• Piano Introduction: Mimics rustling wind through leaves.
  • Represents transportation of the wanderer from present winter journey to past memories.
  • Contrast: Introduction vs. first verse.

Analysis by Susan Youens

• Book Recommendation: Susan Youens's book on Schubert's songs.
• Piano introduction can be seen as a sequence of mental events leading to memory articulation.
• The Wanderer's Memory: Triggered by sound of rustling leaves, recalling time spent under the tree.

Style Differences

• Piano vs. Vocal Line:
  • Piano: Complex, learned style, rhythmically active.
  • Vocal Line: Simplistic, narrow range, short phrases with dominant tonic cadences.
• Represents lead (complex) vs. folk song (simple) styles.

The Present vs. Past

• Minor Mode: Represents icy wind and present journey.
• Temptation: Memories tempt the wanderer with rest, possibly implying death.

Interpretation by Lori Surpa

• Book: "Death in Winterreise."
• Linden tree's call is seen as a promise of peace in death, which the wanderer rejects.

Musical Elements

• Struggle Representation:
  • Piano: Heightened lead style.
  • Vocal Line: Variation of original melody.
• Harmonic Duality:
  • Dominant chord (B major) vs. flatted sixth (C major).
  • Associations with deceptive cadences and augmented sixth chords.

Rejection of Death

• Line: "Ich wendete mich nicht" (I did not turn back).
• Fata indicating passage of time away from the tree.

Folk and Lead Idioms

• Vocal Line & Accompaniment:
  • Retain shape of first verse but with more active accompaniment.

Conclusion

• Song Ending: Repetition of introductory material.
  • Weakened cadence: Dominant chord softly resolving to tonic, symbolizing wanderer's memories and hints of death.

Final Notes

• Themes of death reoccur throughout "Winterreise."
• Next in the cycle: "Wasserflut."

Additional Resources

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These notes cover the main points and analysis discussed in the lecture on "Der Lindenbaum," touching on themes, stylistic differences, and musical elements. The content is structured to provide a clear understanding of the song's narrative and symbolism within Schubert's "Winterreise."