ABSTRACT
Friedrich Schlegel's philosophical poem 'Die Berge'. All Friedrich Schlegel's poems quoted are taken from Kritische Friedrich-Schlegel-Ausgabe, edited by Hans Eichner, and reprinted with the kind permission of the Ferdinand Schoningh Verlag in Paderborn, Germany. There is a very strong connection to the text of 'Die Berge' that helps us understand what made the key structure so appropriate, and gives a sense of what the abstract musical construction may have meant to Schubert. Before addressing the connection of this musical structure and the song text, though, it will be helpful to consider some general information on how music theorists understand the type of progression Schubert uses at center of 'Die Berge'. 'Die Berge' unfolds a remarkable aspect of Schubert the reader. Though the song's narrative strategy appears clear when analyzed, that reflects only the wisdom of hindsight. We must recall, Schubert had first to comprehend the poem, then to come up with a musical design to reflect his understanding of it.
