Death and the Maiden was written two years after Schubert contracted syphillis in 1822. On his condition, his writing is quite clear, referring to himself as “the most unfortunate, the most miserable being in the world” in a letter dated March 1824. Whether or not Shubert was actually suicidal in this period is unknown, nor does it necessarily matter. The reason 'Death' is so alluring in this piece is because many of the themes of Death and the Maiden are variations upon a prior composition of Schubert's, also titled Death and the Maiden.

The original 'Der Tod und das Mädchen' was a lied of Schubert's from 1817; Lieder has lyrics! It is a poem set to music! In the written poem, the maiden wishes for death to leave her alone (i'll remind you that this was before he contracted syphilis). Death is not forceful figure here, every time it speaks, the music slows and even shifts to the relative major – this is in opposition to the maiden whos parts are all in D minor. There are other aspects to the composition that help emphasize the central context, but for me it really comes down to the text of the poem.

The fact that Schubert was able to translate such a clear sentiment in the absence of the poem is so incredible to me.

The artwork to the right is what I made while listening to the piece for the first time, I had completely forgotten that Rena was attempting to emulate birds in her choreography, lovely bit of sychronicity there.