Category
Textual or Investigative
Description
The German concept of Sehnsucht is expressed explicitly in several musical selections from the Romantic era; however, the emotional state it represents is implicit in a much greater field of music, poetry, and prose, crossing a wide variety of styles, genres, and periods of history. The concept first gained popularity through the writings of Goethe and Schiller, and was employed in poetic, musical form through the works of the German Romantic composers. Significant research exists on the philosophical and theoretical implications of Sehnsucht . However, a qualitative textual analysis of specific song texts has not been explored in a great deal of depth. This research aims to analyze Sehnsucht within the intersection of philosophy, theology, and creative literature. An interdisciplinary, textual analysis of three songs (Blue Flower by the Gray Havens, Be Ye Glad by Michael Kelly Blanchard, and Be Still My Soul by Katharina von Schlegel) will be conducted. Traditional philosophical concepts of Sehnsucht , such as those promoted by C.S. Lewis, will be viewed in light of the textual elements present in these pieces. Future research on this concept may include a performance of works with texts that demonstrate Sehnsucht , textual analysis of specific lyrical elements, or creation of new works that evoke Sehnsucht.
A Created Longing: A Textual Analysis of Sehnsucht
Textual or Investigative
The German concept of Sehnsucht is expressed explicitly in several musical selections from the Romantic era; however, the emotional state it represents is implicit in a much greater field of music, poetry, and prose, crossing a wide variety of styles, genres, and periods of history. The concept first gained popularity through the writings of Goethe and Schiller, and was employed in poetic, musical form through the works of the German Romantic composers. Significant research exists on the philosophical and theoretical implications of Sehnsucht . However, a qualitative textual analysis of specific song texts has not been explored in a great deal of depth. This research aims to analyze Sehnsucht within the intersection of philosophy, theology, and creative literature. An interdisciplinary, textual analysis of three songs (Blue Flower by the Gray Havens, Be Ye Glad by Michael Kelly Blanchard, and Be Still My Soul by Katharina von Schlegel) will be conducted. Traditional philosophical concepts of Sehnsucht , such as those promoted by C.S. Lewis, will be viewed in light of the textual elements present in these pieces. Future research on this concept may include a performance of works with texts that demonstrate Sehnsucht , textual analysis of specific lyrical elements, or creation of new works that evoke Sehnsucht.
