Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

1:28

"Dort in den Weiden steht ein Haus" (There stands a house in the willows) is a song composed by Johannes Brahms, Op. 97/4. It was composed in 1885 and premiered on November 22, 1885, in Vienna. The song is part of Brahms' Vier ernste Gesänge (Four Serious Songs), which were composed in the last years of his life. The song is set to a poem by the German poet Friedrich Rückert. The text describes a house standing in the willows, where the speaker longs to find peace and rest. The first movement of the song is marked "Andante," and it begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the piano. The singer enters with the first line of the poem, and the melody rises and falls with the natural rhythm of the text. The second movement is marked "Allegro," and it begins with a more lively piano accompaniment. The singer enters with a more urgent melody, as the text describes the speaker's longing for rest. The third movement is marked "Andante con moto," and it begins with a soft, mournful melody in the piano. The singer enters with a more subdued melody, as the text describes the speaker's longing for death. The final movement is marked "Andante," and it begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the piano. The singer enters with a more peaceful melody, as the text describes the speaker's hope for eternal rest. The song is characterized by Brahms' use of rich harmonies and expressive melodies. The piano accompaniment is particularly notable for its use of arpeggios and flowing lines, which create a sense of movement and fluidity. The song is also notable for its use of text painting, as Brahms' melodies rise and fall with the natural rhythm of the text. Overall, "Dort in den Weiden steht ein Haus" is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the longing for rest and peace that is so often felt in life.

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