Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1858

Average_duration

:

28:55

Movement_count

:

16

Movement ....

Johannes Brahms composed 'Volks-Kinderlieder (15), WoO 31' in 1858. The work premiered in Hamburg in the same year. The piece consists of 15 movements, each of which is a setting of a traditional German folk song. The songs are simple and catchy, with memorable melodies and straightforward harmonies. The first movement, "Guten Abend, gut' Nacht," is perhaps the most famous of the set. It is a lullaby that Brahms later arranged for solo piano and orchestra. Other movements include "Es tanzt ein Bi-Ba-Butzemann," "Hänschen klein," and "Ein Männlein steht im Walde." Brahms' settings of these folk songs are characterized by his skillful use of harmony and counterpoint. He often adds unexpected harmonies and subtle rhythmic variations to the simple melodies, creating a rich and complex texture. The songs are also notable for their use of syncopation, which gives them a lively and playful feel. Despite their simplicity, the 'Volks-Kinderlieder' are a testament to Brahms' skill as a composer. He was able to take these traditional folk songs and transform them into sophisticated works of art. The set remains popular today, both as a collection of charming children's songs and as a showcase of Brahms' musical genius.

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