Schubert: “Die Forelle“ (Fischer-Dieskau, Moore)

In answer to a request... Schubert wrote no fewer than five versions of this song, and also based his Trout Quintet, D667 on it. It’s a charming mini-drama, reflecting the naturalist theme of the Romantic period and Schubert’s own sense of playfulness. In the text, the narrator describes looking at a trout in the water, and his indignation when a fisherman catches it by unfair means. The famous six-note phrase that forms the majority of the accompaniment evokes the image of a fish literally rising to the bait. The vocal melody is equally light, until the moment when the fisherman muddies up the water to catch the fish, when both voice and piano change to a darker tone, creating the sense of a little drama enacted. () Die Forelle In einem Bächlein helle, Da schoß in froher Eil Die launische Forelle Vorüber wie ein Pfeil. Ich stand an dem Gestade Und sah in süßer Ruh Des muntern Fischleins B