When putting a piece to music the composer must take into account the feelings and emotions he wishes to create and then understand how to produce them. In the case of Friedrich Rückert's poem “I am lost in the world”, there is a wide variety of ways in which it can be set to music, which can be composed of immutable elements, aspects that can change everywhere, and word painting: all of which will be compared to Gustav Mahler's setting. In every setting of a text there are immutable elements such as the ensemble to be used and the form. With “I Am Lost to the World,” a combination of woodwinds, strings, and some brass instruments would be a desirable ensemble to use alongside a female choir. This combination would allow a full range of colors to be used. Although the poem is dark and solemn, there are many ways in which such a feeling can be expressed by instruments. With such a blend, all these feelings can be touched: from strings playing a slow legate to winds playing a solemn and deep melody. An entirely composed form would allow for more variance as this poem is more of a narrative than a themed, repetitive poem. The women's choir would be made up of an equal number of sopranos, mezzo-sopranos and contraltos. High-pitched voices would be able to express a longing, desperate and almost hopeless feeling that is characteristic of poetry. The music would be in simple triple meter and generally have a very slow tempo. Being "lost in the world" is a very dark idea and the poem evokes a sense of loneliness. Such feelings can only be emphasized with a funeral-like quality, which requires slow, somber music. In every setting, there are dynamics and things that change from place to place. With “I Am Lost to the World”, t...... middle of paper...... instead of a choir because it brings out the feelings of loneliness more. The experience with Mahler's version is very dark and creates a certain sense of isolation. Developing a piece of music to text involves many considerations. Such considerations include taking into account what emotions will be evoked, where, and how to elicit those feelings from the audience. Additionally, you need to take into consideration the form, instruments, and singers, as well as a variety of other factors. With Rückert's text I opted for slow, sad-sounding music based on the qualities of the poem, mainly on the themes of loneliness and loss. Mahler's text setting had similarities to that, but also shared some differences such as having only one singer instead of a choir. The setting of the text to the music is mainly based on how the person who composes it deems appropriate.