Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1882 - 1884

Average_duration

:

3:33

"An einsamer Quelle, Op. 9/2" is a song composed by Richard Strauss in 1885. It was premiered on December 8, 1885, in Munich, Germany. The song is part of a collection of six songs for voice and piano, collectively known as "Sechs Lieder, Op. 9." The song is set to a poem by Felix Dahn, a German poet and historian. The poem tells the story of a lonely wanderer who comes across a spring in the forest. The wanderer is struck by the beauty of the spring and the peacefulness of the surrounding forest. He reflects on the transience of life and the fleeting nature of happiness. The song is in the key of F-sharp minor and is marked "Sehr langsam" (very slow). It is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is marked by a gentle, flowing melody in the piano, which sets the scene for the wanderer's contemplation. The second section is more dramatic, with the piano playing a series of arpeggios that evoke the wanderer's sense of awe and wonder. The final section returns to the gentle melody of the opening, as the wanderer reflects on the transience of life. The song is characterized by Strauss's use of chromaticism and his skillful handling of harmony. The chromaticism creates a sense of tension and unease, which is resolved in the final section of the song. The harmony is rich and complex, with Strauss using a variety of chords and modulations to create a sense of depth and complexity. Overall, "An einsamer Quelle, Op. 9/2" is a beautiful and haunting song that captures the essence of Strauss's early style. It is a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through music.

More....