"Das Fischermädchen" (The Fisher Maiden) is the tenth song from Franz Schubert's song collection Schwanengesang (Swan Song), D.957, composed in 1828 during the final year of his life. The text is by Heinrich Heine, one of the greatest German Romantic poets.
Set in A-flat major with a gentle 6/8 barcarolle rhythm, the song evokes the rocking motion of waves and a boat at sea. The singer addresses a young fisher maiden, inviting her to come ashore and rest her head upon his heart. The music captures both the seductive charm of the invitation and the underlying melancholy characteristic of Heine's poetry, where surface beauty often conceals deeper emotional currents.
The barcarolle style, with its lilting accompaniment, creates an atmosphere of serene beauty while the vocal line weaves an intimate, persuasive melody. This is one of the more lyrical and accessible songs in the Heine portion of Schwanengesang.
Composed in
1828
Catalog
D.957
Source
Public Domain
