Composer

:

Peter Cornelius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Abendgefühl is a Lied (art song) composed by Peter Cornelius, a German composer, poet, and writer. The piece was composed in 1864 and premiered the same year. It is a part of Cornelius' collection of Lieder titled "Weihnachtslieder" (Christmas songs). Abendgefühl is a single-movement piece for voice and piano. The piece is characterized by its slow and melancholic melody, which is reflective of the poem's theme. The poem, written by Cornelius himself, is about the feeling of sadness and loneliness that one experiences during the evening. The piece is written in the key of E-flat major and has a moderate tempo. The piano accompaniment in Abendgefühl is simple and supportive of the vocal line. The piece begins with a gentle introduction played by the piano, which sets the mood for the piece. The vocal line enters with the first verse, which is sung in a soft and introspective manner. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending motif that is repeated throughout the piece. The second verse of Abendgefühl is more expressive and emotional than the first. The vocal line rises and falls, reflecting the poem's theme of sadness and loneliness. The piano accompaniment becomes more complex, with arpeggios and chromatic harmonies that add to the emotional intensity of the piece. The third and final verse of Abendgefühl is a repetition of the first verse, with slight variations in the melody and accompaniment. The piece ends with a gentle coda played by the piano, which brings the piece to a peaceful and reflective close. Overall, Abendgefühl is a beautiful and poignant Lied that captures the feeling of sadness and loneliness that one experiences during the evening. The piece is characterized by its simple melody, expressive vocal line, and supportive piano accompaniment.

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