Die Mainacht (The May Night) (D. 194) of May 17, 1815, is a relentlessly restless strophic song, setting four short verses by poet Ludwig Hölty in quick alla breve time. Hölty's poem is a more than slightly mawkish lyric of a lad lost without love and who, in the May night, observes and envies the pairs of nightingales and doves for their love. Schubert's vocal melody is the essence of refined folk music, sailing easily over an impatient piano accompaniment. While hardly great Schubert, Die Mainacht is still lovely young Schubert at his love-sick best.

© All Music Guide