Absence

Friedrich Schneider's Absence is a secular TTBB four-part song for male voices. The text describes the onset of night, a scene of repose and deep'ning shadows, which, however, brings no solace to the singer. Instead, the returning night intensifies a longing for a loved one lost at sea. The English lyrics convey a profound sense of unrequited mourning and restlessness, a stark contrast to the quietude of the natural world. This piece offers a poignant exploration of personal grief against a backdrop of peaceful evening.