Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1857

Publication Date

:

1859

Average_duration

:

3:16

"Das Veilchen" (The Violet) is a Lieder (song) composed by Franz Liszt in 1844. It is the first of three songs in his song cycle "Drei Lieder von Goethe" (Three Songs by Goethe), S.316. The premiere of the song cycle was in Weimar, Germany, on August 28, 1844, with Liszt accompanying the singer, Julius Stockhausen. The song is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a violet that is picked by a shepherdess and then thrown away by her lover. The music is set in a simple strophic form, with the same melody repeated for each verse. The piano accompaniment is delicate and understated, with arpeggiated chords and gentle melodic lines that evoke the fragility of the violet. The first movement of the song cycle, "Das Veilchen," is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. The melody is lyrical and flowing, with a gentle lilt that captures the innocence and sweetness of the violet. The piano accompaniment is light and airy, with delicate arpeggios and a soft, rolling rhythm that creates a sense of movement and momentum. Overall, "Das Veilchen" is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the essence of Goethe's poem. Liszt's music is understated and elegant, allowing the words of the poem to shine through and speak to the listener's heart. It is a testament to Liszt's skill as a composer that he was able to create such a powerful emotional impact with such a simple and unassuming piece of music.

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