Lily Zhou

O’Hara

MUS 241: Theory IV

22 October 2020

Selige Welt Analysis Paper

Among the pieces and symphonies composed by Schubert, many have gone overlooked

and under analyzed, including Selige Welt. A piece based off a text by Johann Chrysostomos

Senn, Selige Welt is an art song composed with just as much attention and hidden meaning as

any other Schubert piece. The key signatures, tonicizations, modulations, and repetitions of the

piece are significant in its correlation to the text. The singer and the accompanist have the

opportunity to use these elements as a way to carry out their performance in a more

understandable and emotionally impactful way.

The piece begins with a two-measure piano introduction. While in Ab major, there is a

movement to an applied chord of V/vi then vi, and ultimately back to a major I chord. With just

this introduction, Schubert foreshadowed the ABA’ form and the small minor parts that occur

throughout the phrases. The A section goes from measures 1-10. The antecedent of the period in

A involves mostly major chords and ends with a perfect authentic cadence. The words that go

along with it translate to “I float upon the ocean of life, I sit happily in, my boat…” These lyrics

correlate to the chord progression because it portrays life in a positive light-- an experience that

should be enjoyed and cherished. The consequent contrasts this message when it tonicizes to an

a-minor key right as the lyrics begin to talk about “the current flows” and “the winds blows” in a
boat without a rudder or destination, symbolizing the negative aspects of life. This contrast, and

the transition back to a major key at the end of the period represents how life, while

uncontrollable and strewn with moments of negativity and unexpected turns, is something that is

worthwhile and good.

Section B ranges from measures 10-16, transitioning into the Cb major key. Oftentimes

in vocal repertoire, a change in key is used to mark a new thought or setting. Selige Welt seems

to match this tactic, as it begins to mention how “folly seeks the blessed island” but that “there

isn’t one.” Island is representative of a person’s attitude or a moment in their life where it is

important to be able to be optimistic in the “islands” one might land on in life or with their

“boat.” It could also mean that a positive attitude more easily fends off folly (or negativity) in

their life. The message behind the lyrics of section B are clearly important, as Schubert has the

singer repeat them twice in a row, whereas no other phrases of the song do the same. The

rapidity and rigidity of the sixteenth notes in the right hand and the emphasis of the downbeat in

the left hand in the accompaniment also goes well with the vocal part because it is representative

of the urgency of the message Schubert was trying to get across.

The measures in between two different keys are important because they reaffirm the

overall message of a good outcome in times of hardships. The piano interlude in measures 9-10

preceding section B features a complicated cluster of chords that transition into the Cb major

key. The transition back to Ab major is seen in the interlude between measures 15-16 when

moving from section B to A’. The mix of two different keys within these measures can

symbolize the clashing of positive and negative thoughts or situations, where the new major key

that proceeds it is significant in that even when “folly” tries to infiltrate the “blessed island,” it
will always be unsuccessful in the end. This can also be seen in the sudden switch from a minor

iii to a major fifth in measure 17.

The last section A’, ranges from measures 17-21, stating that: you will disembark

anywhere with full trust, wherever water breaks on land.” The phrase is purposefully short to

make a strong but simple final statement before the song is over. By going back to a melody

parallel to A, Schubert reaffirms the statement the character stands by and boosts the confidence

in their original point of view. He concludes by reassuring the listeners that they should fully

trust in the “boat’s” ability to choose the right path for them and to trust the islands that they land

upon. Whereas the other sections had hints of minor scattered throughout their phrases, A’ was

made up of entirely major chords. This all-major chord progression is representative of the

outcome of a “blessed island” and also contributes to the confidence of the message being

conveyed.

Overall, Schubert’s Selige Welt, despite only having a duration of about one minute, is

impactful in the way each phrase compliments and contrasts each other both musically and

lyrically. While the poem itself speaks a very interpretative and important message, its

correlation to different musical elements of the piece adds a completely new and necessary

dimension to its delivery.

I affirm that I have upheld the highest principles of honesty and integrity in my academic work

and have not witnessed a violation of the honor code. LZ