Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Dec 22, 1845

Publication Date

:

1852

Average_duration

:

2:00

'Wenn sich zwei Herzen scheiden, Op. 99/5' is a song composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1841. It was premiered in Leipzig on January 23, 1842, with the composer himself at the piano and the singer Julius Stockhausen. The song is part of a collection of six songs for voice and piano, Op. 99, which Mendelssohn composed during his stay in England in 1841. 'Wenn sich zwei Herzen scheiden' is a melancholic and introspective song that reflects on the pain of separation and the difficulty of letting go of a loved one. The text, written by Emanuel Geibel, describes the moment when two hearts part and the sadness and emptiness that follow. The music is characterized by a simple and expressive melody, accompanied by a delicate and subtle piano accompaniment. The song is in A-flat major and has a moderate tempo. The song is divided into three sections. The first section is marked "Andante con moto" and begins with a piano introduction that sets the mood for the song. The singer enters with the first verse, singing in a soft and tender tone. The second section is marked "Poco più lento" and features a more elaborate piano accompaniment that adds depth and emotion to the music. The singer's voice becomes more intense and expressive, conveying the pain and sorrow of the text. The third section is marked "Tempo I" and returns to the original tempo and melody. The singer repeats the first verse, but with a different ending that suggests a glimmer of hope and acceptance. 'Wenn sich zwei Herzen scheiden' is a beautiful example of Mendelssohn's lyrical and expressive style. The song is a testament to his ability to capture the essence of a text and translate it into music that touches the heart and soul.

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