Born in the Himmelpfortgrund suburb of Vienna, Schubert showed uncommon gifts for music from an early age. His father gave him his first violin lessons and his elder brother gave him piano lessons, but Schubert soon exceeded their abilities. In 1808, at the age of eleven, he became a pupil at the Stadtkonvikt school, where he became acquainted with the orchestral music of Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven. He left the Stadtkonvikt at the end of 1813 and returned home to live with his father, where he began studying to become a schoolteacher. Despite this, he continued his studies in composition with Antonio Salieri and still composed prolifically. In 1821, Schubert was admitted to the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde as a performing member, which helped establish his name among the Viennese citizenry. He gave a concert of his works to critical acclaim in March 1828, the only time he did so in his career. He died eight months later at the age of 31, the cause officially attributed to typhoid fever, but believed by some historians to be syphilis.
Appreciation of Schubert's music while he was alive was limited to a relatively small circle of admirers in Vienna, but interest in his work increased greatly in the decades following his death. Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms and other 19th-century composers discovered and championed his works. Today, Schubert is ranked among the greatest composers in the history of Western classical music and his work continues to be admired and widely performed.
Gloria
Franz Schubert Lyrics
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2°Gloria, gloria nell′alto dei cieli, voci di umani ripete quaggiu'.
Altro non so che ammirare e gioire, nel l'armonia d′ogni luce creata; O Trinita′ beata
The lyrics to Franz Schubert's song Gloria represents the glory and joy of praising God in the highest heaven. The lyrics celebrate the harmony of all created light, highlighting the choir of angels that sing in heaven, representing the divine chorus that sings the praises of God. In contrast, humans sing the praises of God on earth, conveying the earthly desire to be a part of the heavenly chorus, ultimately aiming for a reunion with God in death. The song is a reminder to humanity that we can also participate in the divine chorus, even while on earth, through our praise and worship of God.
Additionally, the song emphasizes the concept of the Holy Trinity, which is the belief that God exists as three persons - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The reference to Trinity in the song highlights the theological significance of the Holy Trinity, recognizing God as three distinct persons united in one substance. The lyrics of the song express a deep sense of admiration and joy for the harmony of the Holy Trinity and the celestial beings that sing in its praise.
Overall, the song Gloria is a powerful expression of the reverence and awe that humans feel towards God, highlighting the joy and beauty of praising God in the highest heaven.
Line by Line Meaning
Gloria is sung high in the heavens by a choir of angels.
The song depicts the heavenly worship of God by angelic beings.
Gloria, glory in the highest, human voices repeat it down here.
The song describes the echoing of the angels' heavenly praise in the earthly realm.
I can only admire and rejoice in the harmony of every created light; oh blessed Trinity.
The songwriter expresses their wonder and delight in the perfection of the world and the divine nature of God.
Writer(s): V. Morrison
Contributed by Bella G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jessica Mustain
Singing this in my choir class...
I've never wanted to not be a soprano so much in my entire life
ok re
Jessie Pants same
Ashez Kingz
Agreeeeeed. The pain... just... tears
Lukas Lynch
No when I was a treble it was so fun to sing all the top notes
Lyric Rogers
Same here!
Michelle
I really liked this song a lot, it's not very sharp compared to another one (also by Schubert) that we also sang in a concert. That it is agnus dei, that if this becomes acute, if this is difficult for you. With that you remain silent. The soprano solo is very sharp, but it's beautiful. Listen to it, it is beautiful and more like the soloist of the channel "the arm choir" sings it
Lexa 45
I love it! As a soprano it's fun to hit these high notes. We'll sing it in two months
Harry Garland
I love it. I sang this as a boy soprano (well over 50 years ago) at Christ Church Grosse Pointe under the brilliant direction of Richard Roeckelein. I still remember every note. Don Walker was our soloist.
Thevoiceofpiano
hgarland hahaha what a coincidence, I sang this in Christ Church Mexico 👍👍
Judy Krebs
Like hgarland I sang this 50 years ago in the same choir. Don Walker was amazing. Thank you for all your posts. Love them all but especially the ones with english choirs.