Schubert, due to health problems and financial difficulties, did not travel far in his short life, but he left Vienna only twice to go to other countries. In Zseliz (then Hungary, now Želiezovce in Slovakia), where he stayed in 1818 and 1824, there was the Esterházy family's estate. Schubert, employed by Count Johann Karl Esterházy, taught music to his daughters. It is highly probable that a folk song sung by a Hungarian maid in the kitchen of that estate became the theme of "Hungarian Melody," as attested by Baron Karl von Schönstein, who stayed with Schubert in 1824. The date September 2, 1824, inscribed on the score, further enhances the credibility of this testimony, though there is also a theory that this theme was entirely original, composed by Schubert in a "Hungarian style." In any case, it is a nostalgic melody strongly imbued with Hungarian lyricism.

The left-hand accompaniment in eighth notes, reminiscent of "Moments Musicaux" Op. 94-3, is also poetic. Given the indication "Allegretto," various tempo possibilities exist. Choosing a faster tempo would make it light and allow for a singing style that emphasizes larger phrases, while a slower tempo would give it a song-like quality, evoking the nostalgia inherent in the melody.

Reference Links

Liszt, who greatly admired Schubert, also arranged this work.

• Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqeOQNzWhmY
• Score: IMSLP