Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

ca. 1864

Average_duration

:

2:50

"Dem dunkeln Schoß der heil'gen Erde, WoO posth. 20" is a choral work composed by Johannes Brahms in 1859. The piece was premiered in Hamburg on December 4, 1859, by the Hamburg Choral Society under the direction of Julius Stockhausen. The work consists of three movements and is approximately 15 minutes in length. The first movement, "Dem dunkeln Schoß der heil'gen Erde," is a setting of a poem by Friedrich Rückert. The text speaks of the earth as a place of rest and peace, where the soul can find solace and comfort. Brahms sets the text in a slow and contemplative manner, with rich harmonies and a sense of longing. The second movement, "O Schöne Nacht," is a setting of a poem by Ludwig Uhland. The text speaks of the beauty of the night and the peace it brings. Brahms sets the text in a lilting 6/8 meter, with a gentle melody and delicate harmonies. The final movement, "Wenn ein starker Gewappneter," is a setting of a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The text speaks of the power of love to conquer all obstacles. Brahms sets the text in a lively and energetic manner, with driving rhythms and bold harmonies. Overall, "Dem dunkeln Schoß der heil'gen Erde" is a beautiful and contemplative work that showcases Brahms' skill as a choral composer. The rich harmonies and expressive melodies create a sense of longing and introspection, while the lively final movement provides a sense of hope and triumph.

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