Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Mar 1877

Average_duration

:

2:23

Johannes Brahms composed "Minnelied, Op. 71/5" in 1877. The piece is part of a collection of five songs for voice and piano, which Brahms dedicated to his friend and publisher, Fritz Simrock. The premiere of the collection took place in Vienna in 1878, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. "Minnelied" is the fifth and final song in the collection, and it is written for a low voice. The text is a poem by Friedrich Rückert, which Brahms set to music. The poem is a love song, in which the speaker expresses his desire to be with his beloved. The piece is in A-flat major and has a slow tempo. It is marked "Andante con moto," which means "slowly, with motion." The piano accompaniment is simple and repetitive, with a gentle rhythm that supports the vocal line. The vocal melody is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases and a wide range of dynamics. The song is divided into three sections, each with its own character. The first section is in A-flat major and is marked by a sense of longing and yearning. The second section is in F minor and is more intense and passionate, with a sense of urgency and desperation. The final section returns to A-flat major and is more peaceful and resigned, with a sense of acceptance and contentment. Overall, "Minnelied" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Brahms' skill as a composer of lieder. The piece is characterized by its expressive melody, simple accompaniment, and emotional depth. It is a testament to Brahms' ability to capture the essence of a poem and translate it into music.

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