Composer

:

Richard Wagner

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1840

Average_duration

:

7:39

"Adieux de Marie Stuart" is a song composed by Richard Wagner in 1840. It was premiered in Leipzig on January 13, 1841, with the composer himself accompanying the singer, Wilhelmine Schröder-Devrient, on the piano. The song is part of a collection of six songs for voice and piano, collectively known as "Wesendonck Lieder," which Wagner composed between 1857 and 1858. "Adieux de Marie Stuart" is a setting of a French poem by Mary, Queen of Scots, written on the eve of her execution in 1587. The poem expresses the queen's sorrow at leaving behind her beloved Scotland and her hope for a peaceful afterlife. Wagner's setting captures the melancholic mood of the poem with its mournful melody and somber harmonies. The song is in A-flat major and is marked "Andante con moto." It consists of two verses, each with a refrain. The first verse is set in a minor key, while the second verse is in the relative major. The refrain, which is repeated after each verse, is set in the tonic key and provides a sense of resolution and closure. The piano accompaniment is simple and understated, with a repeating pattern of broken chords that creates a sense of gentle rocking. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long, flowing phrases that convey the queen's sadness and resignation. Overall, "Adieux de Marie Stuart" is a poignant and moving song that showcases Wagner's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its melancholic melody and somber harmonies capture the mood of the poem perfectly, while the simple piano accompaniment provides a gentle and supportive backdrop for the singer.

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