Composer

:

Modest Mussorgsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Jan 7, 1866

Publication Date

:

1923

Average_duration

:

2:49

"Dear one, why are thine eyes sometimes so Cold?" is a song composed by Modest Mussorgsky in 1867. It is part of his song cycle "The Nursery," which consists of ten songs based on children's poems. The premiere of the song cycle took place in 1872, five years after Mussorgsky's death. The song is in the key of A minor and has a slow tempo. It is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The text of the poem is by an unknown author and is a dialogue between a child and their mother. The child asks their mother why her eyes sometimes look cold and distant, and the mother responds that it is because she is tired and has been working hard. The song has a melancholic and introspective character, reflecting the child's curiosity and the mother's weariness. The piano accompaniment is sparse and simple, with a repetitive pattern that creates a sense of lullaby. The vocal line is expressive and lyrical, with long phrases and subtle changes in dynamics and articulation. The song is divided into two sections, each with a different melody and mood. The first section is in a minor key and has a questioning and uncertain character, reflecting the child's curiosity. The second section is in a major key and has a more reassuring and comforting character, reflecting the mother's response. Overall, "Dear one, why are thine eyes sometimes so Cold?" is a poignant and intimate song that captures the emotional complexity of a mother-child relationship. It is a testament to Mussorgsky's ability to create powerful and evocative music from simple and everyday themes.

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