Gretchen am Spinnrade

song by Schubert

Also known as: “Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel”

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June 29, 2026

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"Gretchen am Spinnrade" (Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel) is a song by Franz Schubert, composed in 1814. It was his 30th song and is considered a masterpiece that established the German art song, or lied. The song is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe from his famous work, Faust.

The music vividly portrays Gretchen's emotional state as she spins, with the accompaniment mimicking the spinning wheel. This piece is a prime example of Schubert's genius in capturing poetic imagery through music, a hallmark of his prolific output in song composition. Schubert composed over 600 lieder throughout his career, making him one of the most significant composers of this genre.123

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Franz Schubert
Early life and career
…a poem by Goethe, “Gretchen am Spinnrade” (“Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel”), from Faust; it was his 30th song and in this masterpiece he created at one stroke the German lied (art song). The following year brought the composition of more than 140 songs.
Read More
…a poem by Goethe, “Gretchen am Spinnrade” (“Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel”), from Faust; it was his 30th song and in this masterpiece he created at one stroke the German lied (art song). The following year brought the composition of more than 140 songs.
Read More