Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1885 - 1887

Average_duration

:

2:35

Richard Strauss composed "Ständchen, Op. 17/2" in 1885, when he was just 21 years old. The piece is a setting of a poem by Adolf Friedrich von Schack, and it was originally written for voice and piano. The premiere of the piece took place in Munich in 1886, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. "Ständchen, Op. 17/2" is a single-movement work that lasts around four minutes. The piece is characterized by its lyrical melody and rich harmonies, which are typical of Strauss's early style. The piano accompaniment is also notable for its delicate arpeggios and flowing lines, which provide a gentle backdrop for the singer. The poem that Strauss set to music is a romantic love song, in which the speaker serenades his beloved under the moonlight. The music reflects the poem's mood of tenderness and longing, with its soaring melodies and expressive harmonies. The vocal line is particularly expressive, with a wide range of dynamics and subtle changes in tempo and phrasing. Overall, "Ständchen, Op. 17/2" is a beautiful example of Strauss's early style, which was heavily influenced by the Romantic composers of the 19th century. The piece showcases his gift for melody and his ability to create rich, expressive harmonies. It remains a popular work in the vocal repertoire, and has been arranged for a variety of instruments and ensembles over the years.

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