Selige Welt Analysis Paper

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

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Lily Zhou

MUS 241: Theory IV

Selige Welt Analysis Paper

understandable and emotionally impactful way.

worthwhile and good.

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

iii to a major fifth in measure 17.

dimension to its delivery.

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

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