Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Jun 6, 1841

Publication Date

:

1852

Average_duration

:

3:05

Das Schifflein, Op. 99/4 is a short piano piece composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1841. It is part of a collection of six children's pieces, known as Kinderstücke, which were written for his young relatives. The piece is also known as "The Little Boat" or "The Little Ship." The premiere of Das Schifflein is not well-documented, but it was likely performed in private by Mendelssohn or one of his family members. The piece was published in 1844, three years after its composition, by Breitkopf & Härtel in Leipzig. Das Schifflein is a simple and charming piece, consisting of a single movement in the key of G major. It is written in 3/4 time and has a moderate tempo. The piece is marked "Allegretto grazioso," which means "moderately fast and gracefully." The main theme of the piece is a gentle melody that evokes the image of a small boat floating on calm waters. The melody is played in the right hand, accompanied by a simple arpeggio in the left hand. The piece is structured in a ternary form, with the main theme repeated twice and a contrasting middle section in the key of D major. The middle section features a more lively melody, played in the right hand, accompanied by a playful rhythm in the left hand. The section builds to a climax before returning to the main theme in the key of G major. Overall, Das Schifflein is a delightful piece that captures the innocence and playfulness of childhood. It is a testament to Mendelssohn's ability to create music that is both technically impressive and emotionally evocative, even in a simple piece intended for children.

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