Der Tod und das Mädchen

The text is derived from a poem written by German poet Matthias Claudius.

The section is quiet (pianissimo) and slow (mäßig), and presents the musical theme of Death.

The piano accompaniment is syncopated, playing chords of quavers alternating in the left and right hand.

A diminished chord in the first bar of the third line (ich bin noch jung) creates an eerie mood.

In the eighth bar of the maiden's song, on the word rühre ("touch"), the quavers stop and the rhythm of the opening section returns.

Der Tod: Gib deine Hand, du schön und zart Gebild!

Bin Freund, und komme nicht, zu strafen.

Ich bin nicht wild, Sollst sanft in meinen Armen schlafen!