Schubert set Johann von Salis-Seewis' poem "Das grab" (The Grave) five times. These are not different versions of the same music for different performers, or even re-visions of the same music for different performers, but entirely different settings. The first, broken off after 13 bars, was for mixed choir and piano; the second (D. 330) was for four male voices and piano; the third and fourth (D. 377) were for male chorus and piano; the fifth and final setting (D. 643a) was for mixed choir without piano. There are other important differences as well: The first, in C minor, is a canon; the second, in G minor, is homophonic; the third, again in C minor, is homophonic but with contrapuntal touches; the fourth, in C sharp minor, for unison chorus; and the fifth, in E flat major, is contrapuntal. The fourth setting combines the austerity of the third setting with the majesty of the second setting. Although the chorus is once again hushed in awe, Schubert's harmonies are here less dolorous than in the second version, and less lachrymose than the in third version. Furthermore, the change of mode from the minor to the major at the end of each of the poem's three verses seems to bathe the music in a warm and comforting glow far removed from the pity and terror of death in the second and third versions.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide