A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Müller, Wilhelm
MULLER, Wilhelm, author of the poems of Schubert's beautiful Liedercyclus 'Die schöne Müllerin' and 'Die Winterreise,' and father of Max Müller the eminent philologist, was born at Dessau Oct. 7, 1794, son of a well-to-do tradesman, who educated him carefully in accordance with the liberal tendencies of the times. In 1812 he studied philology at Berlin under F. A. Wolf, and history. In 1813 he joined the Prussian army as a volunteer, and took part in Lützen, Bautzen, and other battles, and in the occupation of the Netherlands. Returning to Berlin in 1814, he devoted himself to ancient German language and literature. On his return from Italy in 1819 he became librarian to the Duke of Dessau. He died at Dessau on Oct. 1, 1827. The best-known of his poems are 'Gedichte aus den hinterlassenen Papieren eines Waldhornisten,' 2 vols. (1821–24); 'Lieder der Griechen,' 5 parts (1821–24); a translation of Fauriel's modern Greek national airs, 2 vols. (Leipzig, 1825); 'Lyrische Spaziergänge' (ibid. 1827). His miscellaneous works were edited by Schwab, 5 vols. (1830). His collected poems, published after his death (Leipzig, 1837), are among the choicest lyrical treasures of Germany.[1] Warmth and truth of expression, keen observation of nature, and melodiousness of language, have made him a universal favourite with composers. Randhartinger states that the first time Schubert met with the Müllerlieder, he was so enchanted that he set several before the next day.
[ F. G. ]
- ↑ See an essay on Wilhelm Müller, in Max Müller's 'Chips from a German Workshop,' vol. iii. pp. 103–121.