Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1906

Average_duration

:

2:49

'Die stille Stadt, Op. 50/5' is a song composed by Jean Sibelius in 1906. It was premiered in Helsinki, Finland on November 22, 1906, with the composer himself accompanying the singer, Aino Ackté. The song is part of a collection of five songs titled 'Fem sånger, Op. 50' (Five Songs, Op. 50). The song is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. It is a setting of a poem by Richard Dehmel, a German poet. The poem describes a deserted city at night, where the only sound is the echo of footsteps on the empty streets. The mood of the poem is melancholic and reflective, and Sibelius's music captures this mood perfectly. The song is in the key of E-flat major and is marked 'Andante con moto' (moderately slow). It is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections being in the same key and the middle section modulating to the key of C minor. The piano accompaniment is sparse and atmospheric, with long sustained chords and delicate arpeggios. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases and a wide range of dynamics. The melody is simple and memorable, with a haunting quality that lingers in the listener's mind. The text is set in a declamatory style, with the singer emphasizing certain words and phrases for dramatic effect. Overall, 'Die stille Stadt, Op. 50/5' is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Sibelius's skill as a composer of art songs. Its melancholic mood and haunting melody make it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

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