Composer

:

Fanny Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1835

Average_duration

:

1:41

"Über allen Gipfeln ist Ruh," also known as "Wandrers Nachtlied II," is a Lied composed by Fanny Mendelssohn in 1842. The piece is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which was published in 1780. The premiere of the Lied is not known, but it was likely performed in private gatherings of the Mendelssohn family and their friends. The Lied consists of two movements, with the first movement being a setting of the first stanza of Goethe's poem and the second movement being a setting of the second stanza. The first movement is in the key of E-flat major and is marked "Andante con moto." The second movement is in the key of C minor and is marked "Adagio." The first movement begins with a gentle and flowing piano introduction, which sets the mood for the piece. The vocal line enters with the first line of the poem, "Über allen Gipfeln ist Ruh," which translates to "Above all the peaks is peace." The melody is simple and lyrical, with a gentle rise and fall that reflects the peacefulness of the text. The piano accompaniment is also simple and supportive, with a gentle rocking motion that adds to the peaceful atmosphere. The second movement begins with a more dramatic piano introduction, which sets a darker and more introspective mood. The vocal line enters with the second stanza of the poem, which begins with the line "Mir scheint, als ob du, fernher." This translates to "It seems to me as if you, far away." The melody is more complex and expressive than the first movement, with a wider range and more dramatic leaps. The piano accompaniment is also more complex, with a more active left hand that adds to the sense of longing and introspection. Overall, "Über allen Gipfeln ist Ruh" is a beautiful and expressive Lied that captures the peaceful and introspective mood of Goethe's poem. Fanny Mendelssohn's setting is simple and lyrical, with a gentle and supportive piano accompaniment that adds to the peaceful atmosphere. The second movement adds a more dramatic and introspective element to the piece, with a more complex melody and accompaniment that reflects the sense of longing and introspection in the text.

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