Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Dec 1883 - 1885

Publication Date

:

1897

First Performance

:

Mar 16, 1896

Average_duration

:

4:00

Gustav Mahler's "Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht" is a song from his song cycle "Des Knaben Wunderhorn," which was composed between 1892 and 1901. The song was premiered in 1905 in Vienna, Austria, with Mahler conducting. The song is in the key of F major and is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. It is a simple and tender love song that tells the story of a young woman who is getting married and leaving her lover behind. The song is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is marked "Sehr gemächlich" (very leisurely) and is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody in the piano accompaniment. The vocal line is simple and lyrical, with the singer expressing his sadness at the thought of his beloved getting married and leaving him behind. The second section is marked "Etwas bewegter" (somewhat more animated) and is more dramatic in character. The piano accompaniment becomes more agitated, with a rising and falling melody that reflects the singer's emotional turmoil. The vocal line becomes more intense, with the singer pleading with his beloved not to forget him. The third section is marked "Sehr langsam" (very slow) and is the most poignant and emotional part of the song. The piano accompaniment is sparse, with a simple, mournful melody that underscores the singer's sense of loss. The vocal line is quiet and introspective, with the singer reflecting on the beauty of his love and the pain of losing her. Overall, "Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht" is a beautiful and moving song that showcases Mahler's gift for melody and his ability to capture complex emotions in music. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the pain of separation, and it remains a beloved part of the classical music repertoire to this day.

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