About Winterreise
Understanding Schubert's profound song cycle
The Cycle
Winterreise (Winter Journey) is a song cycle for voice and piano, composed by Franz Schubert in 1827, the year before his death. It consists of 24 songs set to poems by Wilhelm Müller, telling the story of a rejected lover who wanders through a frozen winter landscape, gradually descending into madness and despair.
The cycle is considered one of the greatest achievements in the history of art song (Lieder), remarkable for its psychological depth, musical innovation, and unflinching portrayal of human suffering.
The Poems
Wilhelm Müller (1794-1827) published his poems in two stages: the first 12 appeared in 1823 in the Urania almanac, and the complete 24-poem cycle was published in 1824. Schubert discovered the first set and began setting them in February 1827, later completing the cycle when he found the full collection.
Müller died on October 1, 1827, at age 32—the very month Schubert was completing the final songs. The poet never knew his verses would achieve immortality through Schubert's music. Schubert himself died just over a year later, in November 1828.
Historical Context
Composition
- Songs 1-12: February 1827
- Songs 13-24: October 1827
- Part 1 published: January 14, 1828
- Catalog: D. 911, Op. 89
Schubert's Life
- Born: January 31, 1797, Vienna
- Died: November 19, 1828, Vienna
- Age at composition: 30
- Died 10 months after publication
About This Platform
This interactive platform is designed to help listeners, students, and enthusiasts explore the rich interconnections within Winterreise. Through detailed analysis, visual connections mapping, and thematic exploration, we aim to deepen understanding and appreciation of this masterwork.
Features
- Detailed analysis of all 24 songs with musical and thematic information
- Interactive connections matrix showing relationships between songs
- Visual charts exploring the emotional arc and structure of the cycle
- Thematic tagging and mood analysis for each song