Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1901

Publication Date

:

1905

First Performance

:

Jan 29, 1905

Average_duration

:

3:05

Gustav Mahler's "Oft denk' ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen" is a song from his collection of songs titled "Kindertotenlieder" (Songs on the Death of Children). The song was composed in 1901-1904 and premiered in Vienna in 1905. The song is written in E-flat major and has a slow tempo. The song is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a melancholic melody played by the orchestra, which is then joined by the singer. The lyrics describe the feeling of a parent who has lost a child and imagines that the child has only gone out for a walk and will return soon. The music is haunting and sorrowful, with the orchestra providing a mournful accompaniment to the singer's voice. The second movement is more upbeat and features a faster tempo. The lyrics describe the child's toys and how they are now silent and still. The music is more playful and childlike, with the orchestra providing a lively accompaniment to the singer's voice. The third movement returns to the melancholic tone of the first movement. The lyrics describe the parent's longing for the child and how they wish they could be reunited. The music is slow and mournful, with the orchestra providing a somber accompaniment to the singer's voice. Overall, "Oft denk' ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen" is a powerful and emotional song that captures the pain and sorrow of losing a child. Mahler's use of orchestration and melody creates a haunting and beautiful piece of music that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.

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