Hess Anhang 59 – Elaboration of the folk song “As I was Wandring”, in D major,
for voice, piano, violin and cello.
? Hess Anhang 59: A Folk Song Arrangement in D Major
Hess Anhang 59 is a musical setting of the Scottish folk tune “As I Was Wandering”, arranged for voice, piano, violin, and cello. The autograph manuscript remains unknown, and its authorship has been subject to scholarly debate.
- ? Attribution History: Initially attributed to Ludwig van Beethoven in the sixth volume of Melodies of Scotland (London, Conentry & Hollier, 1841), edited by George Thomson. However, earlier appearances of the same melody—under the title “No, Henry I Must Not”—in Welsh Songs (1817 and 1822) suggest a possible origin with Joseph Haydn, leading some scholars to consider it a Haydn transcription rather than an original Beethoven composition.
- ?️ Textual Source: The lyrics are by Robert Burns, a central figure in Scottish literary tradition. His poetry was frequently adapted in musical settings during the Romantic period.
- ? Catalog Reference: The theme is indexed in Thayer’s catalogue as piece 289 of entry no. 176, p. 109, further supporting its ambiguous provenance.
- ? Stylistic Considerations: The arrangement reflects the 19th-century practice of integrating folk melodies into art music, a trend popularized by both Beethoven and Haydn. The harmonic treatment and instrumentation align with chamber music conventions of the period, though the simplicity of the melodic line retains its folk character.
