Composer

:

Franz Paul Lachner

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:38

"Frauenliebe und Leben" is a song cycle composed by Franz Paul Lachner in 1849. The piece is based on a set of poems by Adelbert von Chamisso, which tell the story of a woman's life from her first love to her marriage and eventual widowhood. The cycle consists of eight movements, each of which is a setting of one of Chamisso's poems. The premiere of "Frauenliebe und Leben" took place in Munich in 1850, with Lachner himself accompanying the singer on the piano. The piece was well-received and quickly became popular, with performances throughout Germany and beyond. The first movement, "Seit ich ihn gesehen" (Since I saw him), sets the tone for the cycle with its gentle, flowing melody and tender lyrics. The second movement, "Er, der Herrlichste von allen" (He, the most glorious of all), is more dramatic, with a soaring vocal line and a prominent horn part. The third movement, "Ich kann's nicht fassen, nicht glauben" (I cannot grasp it, cannot believe it), is a mournful reflection on lost love. The fourth movement, "Du Ring an meinem Finger" (You ring on my finger), is a joyful celebration of marriage, with a lively piano accompaniment and a bright, optimistic vocal line. The fifth movement, "Helft mir, ihr Schwestern" (Help me, sisters), is a poignant plea for comfort and support in the face of tragedy. The sixth movement, "Süsser Freund, du blickest" (Sweet friend, you gaze), is a tender love song, with a gentle, flowing melody and a delicate piano accompaniment. The seventh movement, "An meinem Herzen, an meiner Brust" (On my heart, on my breast), is a mournful reflection on the loss of a loved one, with a haunting horn solo and a somber vocal line. The final movement, "Nun hast du mir den ersten Schmerz getan" (Now you have caused me the first pain), brings the cycle full circle, with a return to the gentle, flowing melody of the first movement. The piece ends on a bittersweet note, with the singer reflecting on the joys and sorrows of life and love. Overall, "Frauenliebe und Leben" is a beautiful and moving piece of music, with a rich and varied emotional palette. Lachner's sensitive and expressive setting of Chamisso's poems has made the cycle a beloved classic of the art song repertoire.

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