Composer

:

Richard Wagner

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1857 - 1858

Average_duration

:

2:44

"Schmerzen" (Pains) is a composition by Richard Wagner, composed in 1865. It was premiered on December 10, 1865, in Munich, Germany. The piece is a part of Wagner's "Wesendonck Lieder," a collection of five songs based on poems by Mathilde Wesendonck, a friend and muse of Wagner. "Schmerzen" is the fourth song in the collection and is characterized by its melancholic and introspective tone. The song is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment and is in the key of F minor. The piece is marked "Sehr langsam und schmerzvoll" (very slow and painful) and is meant to be performed with great emotional intensity. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own unique character. The first section is marked by a mournful melody in the piano, which sets the tone for the entire piece. The vocal line enters with a simple, yet powerful melody that expresses the pain and sorrow of the lyrics. The second section is more agitated and intense, with the piano playing a series of dissonant chords that create a sense of tension and unease. The vocal line becomes more urgent and passionate, expressing the depth of the pain and suffering being felt. The final section returns to the mournful melody of the opening, with the vocal line becoming more subdued and introspective. Overall, "Schmerzen" is a deeply emotional and introspective piece that reflects the pain and suffering of the human experience. It is a testament to Wagner's ability to express complex emotions through music and is a powerful example of his unique style and approach to composition.

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