Viennese Classic#
Nikolaus Freiherr von Krufft: The Young Girl's Lament#
Nikolaus Freiherr von Krufft (1779 - Vienna - 1818) can be considered as the most important predecessor of Franz Schubert in the production of the Lied (Song). At first he composed Rococo-like strophic songs on the piano (i.e. the melody of the singer was identical with the upper voice of the piano accompaniment and did not need to be notated separately). His publication Sammlung deutscher Lieder mit Begleitung des Klaviers (A Collection of German songs with piano accompaniment)(Vienna 1812) however moved on to through-composed songs and even dramatic song scenes. In the introduction to this collection, he demanded - just like Schubert - proper declamation in all of the strophes and the independence of the piano accompaniment. (E. Stadler)
Sound Clip#