Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1857

Average_duration

:

2:36

"Bei nächtlicher Weil, WoO 34/3" is a song composed by Johannes Brahms in 1864. It was premiered in Vienna in the same year. The song is part of a collection of five songs, which Brahms composed for his friend, the baritone Julius Stockhausen. The collection is known as "Fünf Gesänge, Op. 84" and is considered one of Brahms' most significant contributions to the Lieder genre. "Bei nächtlicher Weil" is the third song in the collection and is characterized by its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics. The song is in the key of E minor and is written in a slow, mournful tempo. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, allowing the voice to take center stage. The song is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first movement begins with a simple piano introduction, which sets the mood for the song. The voice enters with the first verse, which describes a lonely night spent in contemplation. The melody is simple and repetitive, with the voice rising and falling in a gentle, mournful cadence. The second movement is more complex and features a more elaborate piano accompaniment. The melody is more varied, with the voice moving through a range of emotions, from sadness to anger to resignation. The lyrics describe the pain of lost love and the struggle to move on. The final movement returns to the simplicity of the first, with the voice and piano returning to the original melody. The lyrics describe the hopelessness of the situation and the futility of trying to forget the past. Overall, "Bei nächtlicher Weil" is a powerful and emotional song that showcases Brahms' skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music. Its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics have made it a favorite among performers and audiences alike.

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