Schubert's setting of Ignaz Castelli's "Frohsinn" (Cheerfulness, ) (D. 520) lives up to its title. Bouncing along in 6/8 time, there is nary a bump on the singer's road of life. And bounding along in F major, there is nary an untoward modulation to sidetrack him from his single-minded -- some might say simple-minded -- pursuit of Cheerfulness. Although there are 11 verses to Castelli's song, most singers and listeners are satisfied with one or two verses of Schubert's all-too-accurate representation of simplicity, which borders on inanity. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide
