Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1858 - 1859

Average_duration

:

1:04

Johannes Brahms composed 'Der Schmied, Op. 19/4' in 1860. It is a part of his set of five songs for voice and piano, collectively known as 'Fünf Lieder, Op. 19'. The song premiered in Vienna in 1861, with Brahms himself accompanying the singer. 'Der Schmied' is a strophic song, meaning that the same music is repeated for each stanza of the poem. The poem, written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, tells the story of a blacksmith who is working tirelessly at his forge. The blacksmith is compared to a hero, with his hammer and anvil serving as his weapons. The song ends with the blacksmith's wife calling him home for dinner, and the blacksmith happily putting down his tools to join her. The music of 'Der Schmied' is characterized by its driving rhythm and energetic melody. The piano accompaniment is particularly noteworthy, with its repeated chords and syncopated rhythms creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The vocal line is also quite challenging, with a wide range and numerous leaps and runs. Overall, 'Der Schmied' is a lively and engaging song that showcases Brahms' skill as a composer. Its combination of powerful poetry and dynamic music make it a popular choice for singers and pianists alike.

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