Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1889 - 1890

Average_duration

:

2:14

'Why, father, do you kiss my sweetheart here?' is a composition by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It was composed in 1901 and premiered on December 8th of the same year in Helsinki, Finland. The piece is a part of Sibelius' collection of songs, Op. 37, which consists of ten songs for voice and piano. The composition is a setting of a poem by the Finnish poet L. Onerva. The poem tells the story of a young woman who is confused and upset by her father's behavior towards her lover. The father kisses the young woman's sweetheart on the forehead, which causes her to question his intentions and motives. The piece is composed in a single movement and is characterized by its melancholic and introspective tone. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, allowing the voice to take center stage. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a haunting quality that captures the emotional turmoil of the young woman. Sibelius' use of harmony is particularly effective in this piece. The chords are often dissonant, creating a sense of tension and unease. This reflects the emotional conflict of the young woman as she struggles to understand her father's actions. Overall, 'Why, father, do you kiss my sweetheart here?' is a beautiful and poignant composition that showcases Sibelius' skill as a composer. Its emotional depth and musical sophistication make it a standout piece in his collection of songs.

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