Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1910

Average_duration

:

3:27

Jean Sibelius was a Finnish composer who is known for his contribution to the development of Finnish music. He composed a number of works that are still popular today, including his piece "Idle Wishes, Op. 61/7". This piece was composed in 1913 and premiered in Helsinki on November 28th of the same year. "Idle Wishes, Op. 61/7" is a part of Sibelius' collection of piano pieces called "The Trees". This collection consists of ten pieces, each of which is named after a different tree. "Idle Wishes" is the seventh piece in the collection and is named after the birch tree. The piece is composed in a slow and dreamy tempo, with a melancholic melody that is played in the right hand. The left hand provides a simple accompaniment that is meant to evoke the image of leaves rustling in the wind. The piece is written in the key of E-flat major and is in 3/4 time. "Idle Wishes" is characterized by its use of impressionistic harmonies and its lyrical melody. The piece is meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, and it does so through its use of subtle shifts in harmony and dynamics. The melody is simple and repetitive, but it is also haunting and memorable. The piece is divided into two main sections, with the second section being a variation of the first. The first section is played softly and delicately, while the second section is played with more intensity and emotion. The piece ends with a return to the soft and dreamy melody of the first section. Overall, "Idle Wishes, Op. 61/7" is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that showcases Sibelius' skill as a composer. Its use of impressionistic harmonies and its lyrical melody make it a memorable addition to "The Trees" collection.

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