Franz Peter Schubert is the last composer of the First Viennese School. Hailed as the King of Lied, Schubert’s contribution of more than 600 Lieder is considered significant and profound. In 1823, Schubert wrote his first song cycle, Die schöne Müllerin, based on Wilhelm Müller’s poems. A year later, in 1824, he transcribed the eighteenth song of the cycle, Trockne Blumen, into a flute work which included an introduction, theme, and seven variations. Schubert then dedicated the piece to one of his close friends, Ferdinand Bogner (1786-1846).

The discussions in this paper are divided into five parts. The first part states the intention and the purpose of the research; The second part is about Schubert’s life and his compositional style; The third part looks into the background of Die schöne Müllerin and the life of Müller; The fourth part is an analysis of Schubert’s flute transcription of “Trockne Blumen”; The fifth part summarizes and organizes the previous four points. Suggestions of interpretation are then given, as well as encouragement to use the analyzed work as a chance to familiarize ourselves with Schubert’s unique artistic voice.

Program

J. S. Bach: Flute Sonata BWV 1033

Carl Reinecke: Ballade Op. 288 for Flute and Piano

E. Bozza: Agrestide

C. Saint-Saëns: Romance Op. 37

Olivier Messiaen: Le Merle Noir pour Flûte et Piano

C. M. Widor: Suite for Flute and Piano Op. 34