“König Ludwig” is an Old High German battle song which interweaves thoughts of God and religion; subjects which never cease to engage the attention of mankind.
Wiegenlied einer unglücklichen Mutter, a Scotch mother’s song of unfaithful love; the poem has a setting in domestic life. Litthauische Daina—song of the departure of a young bride who goes to her new home; domestic life and custom are the themes. There is sadness at leaving the home of her girlhood.
These embody expressions of common, human feelings.
A number of the Spanish songs have their scenes laid in the city and at court; but they sing of love, vengeance, and jealousy—all of which are intensely human.
Erlkönigs Tochter, is a Danish piece which sings of elves. Thoughts of the supernatural are among all mankind.
Frühlingslied, is an Italian piece which rejoices at the coming of the flowers and birds and the budding of the trees. This season always awakens human happiness.
Röschen auf der Heide presents personified nature. Such personification is among all men.
Totenlied comes from Greenland. All peoples bemoan and eulogize their dead in song.
Tanzlied is German. Nearly every collection has pieces which present the rhythm and joyous emotions of the dance. This kind of pleasure is common among all races.