The Ballade of eighteenth and nineteenth-century Germany: A useful but neglected pedagogical tool

Abstract

A significant type of art song is the Ballade of eighteenth and nineteenth-century Germany. In this study, the Ballade form first brought to prominence by Johann Rudolf Zumsteeg (1760-1802) will be examined and related to subsequent composers who expanded upon his model. Franz Schubert's contribution to balladry will be addressed because of Zumsteeg's distinct influence on the former's musical style; and because of Carl Loewe's (1796-1869) enormous success with the Ballade, his contribution will also be discussed. Then, representative examples of Balladen from other major composers will be studied, demonstrating how closely their Balladen adhered to or departed from earlier models. This study will also include an annotated list of selected Balladen by Loewe, whose efforts represent the pinnacle of achievement in the balladry of the nineteenth century. It is hoped that this study will help stimulate interest in the Ballade as a viable supplement to standard art song repertory.