Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1861 - 1868

Average_duration

:

2:52

"Verzweiflung, Op. 33/10" is a solo vocal work composed by Johannes Brahms in 1864. It was premiered in Vienna on January 14, 1865, with the composer himself accompanying the singer, Julius Stockhausen. The piece is part of Brahms' collection of 49 songs, collectively known as "Deutsche Volkslieder," which he arranged for voice and piano. "Verzweiflung" is the tenth song in the collection and is written in the key of F minor. The piece is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is marked "Sehr langsam und ausdrucksvoll" (very slow and expressive) and features a mournful melody in the piano accompaniment. The singer enters with a text that expresses feelings of despair and hopelessness, with lines such as "I am so alone, so lost in the world" and "I see no way out, no hope for me." The second section, marked "Etwas bewegter" (somewhat more animated), features a more agitated melody in the piano accompaniment, reflecting the increasing desperation of the text. The singer's voice rises in intensity, with lines such as "I am drowning in my own tears" and "My heart is breaking, my soul is in torment." The final section, marked "Sehr langsam und ausdrucksvoll" (very slow and expressive, as in the first section), returns to the mournful melody of the opening. The singer's voice becomes more subdued, with lines such as "I am resigned to my fate" and "I will suffer in silence, alone." The piece ends with a final, despairing chord in the piano accompaniment. Overall, "Verzweiflung" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Brahms' skill in setting text to music. The piece is notable for its use of contrasting sections and its evocative piano accompaniment, which adds depth and complexity to the singer's performance.

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