Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1884

Average_duration

:

2:48

'Warum?, Op. 92/4' is a song composed by Johannes Brahms in 1884. It was premiered on November 20, 1884, in Vienna, Austria. The song is part of a collection of six songs, collectively known as 'Vier ernste Gesänge' or 'Four Serious Songs'. The lyrics for 'Warum?' were written by the German poet, theologian, and philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The song is in the key of E minor and is marked 'Langsam und schmerzvoll' (slow and painful). It is a solo vocal piece with piano accompaniment. The song has a simple and melancholic melody that is repeated throughout the piece. The piano accompaniment is sparse and provides a somber and reflective backdrop to the vocal line. The lyrics of 'Warum?' are a meditation on the nature of suffering and the human condition. The song begins with the question 'Warum?' (Why?) and goes on to explore the various forms of suffering that humans experience, such as illness, poverty, and death. The final stanza of the song offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even in the face of suffering, there is a higher purpose to life. Overall, 'Warum?, Op. 92/4' is a poignant and introspective piece that reflects Brahms' deep understanding of the human experience. The song is characterized by its simplicity, melancholic melody, and sparse piano accompaniment. It is a testament to Brahms' skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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