One of Schubert's earliest Kindertotenlieder (songs on the death of children), this setting of Michael Lubi's "Ammenlied" (The Nurse's Song), from December 1814 is very similar to several of his later Kindertotenlieder, especially Lied (Mutter geht durch ihre Kammern) from January 1816. Both songs are in 2/4 time, both songs are in G minor, both songs are simple and folk-like, and both songs express deep grief through profound reserve. Childhood mortality was intimately familiar to Schubert—many of his brothers and sisters died in infancy and childhood—and he seemed to recognize that some sorrows cannot be best expressed in histrionic arias, but rather are better expressed through the intimate ritual of folk songs.

© All Music Guide