Schubert "Heidenröslein, D. 257 (Op.3/3)" - Performance Guide

When performing Schubert's lied "Heidenröslein" the most important thing is to completely understand the poem.  One cannot simply sing the text as if it is just a group of meaningless syllables.  On the other hand, one cannot simply give the song any direction he or she wants.  Rather, the poem must be interpreted in a way that is cohesive with the poem, so that if one were to take away the text, then one's tone of voice could still tell the same story.

Other important techniques in performing "Heidenröslein" are rubato and volume.  Rubato should be used liberally with taste.  Do not make the listener feel sick by the instability of your tempo.  However, it is the nature of this simple song to be dramatized in this way.  The same goes for volume - the volume should change with the tone of voice and the mood of the specific part of the poem.  

Overall, treat each stanza like a different scene in a play.  Even though the notes are exactly the same, the character must be completely different depending on if one is singing the opening, the middle, or the ending.  Each portion of Goethe's has its own flavor and it should be treated as such.