Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1909

Average_duration

:

22:18

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Jean Sibelius composed 'Songs (8) for voice & piano, Op. 57' in 1909. The work premiered in Helsinki, Finland, on November 17, 1909, with the composer himself accompanying the singer, Aino Ackté. The eight songs are set to Finnish texts by various poets, including J.H. Erkko, L. Onerva, and E. Leino. The first song, "Svarta rosor" (Black Roses), is a melancholic piece that features a descending piano accompaniment and a haunting vocal melody. The second song, "Säv, säv, susa" (Sigh, Sigh, Sedges), is a more upbeat piece that features a lively piano accompaniment and a playful vocal melody. The third song, "När jag träffar den rätte" (When I Meet the Right One), is a tender love song that features a simple piano accompaniment and a heartfelt vocal melody. The fourth song, "Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte" (The Girl Returned from Meeting Her Lover), is a dramatic piece that features a turbulent piano accompaniment and a passionate vocal melody. The fifth song, "Var det en dröm?" (Was It a Dream?), is a haunting piece that features a delicate piano accompaniment and a dreamy vocal melody. The sixth song, "Im Feld ein Mädchen singt" (A Girl Is Singing in the Field), is a pastoral piece that features a gentle piano accompaniment and a lilting vocal melody. The seventh song, "Se'n har jag ej frågat mera" (Since Then I Have Asked No More), is a somber piece that features a sparse piano accompaniment and a mournful vocal melody. The final song, "Demanten på marssnön" (The Diamond on the March Snow), is a triumphant piece that features a grand piano accompaniment and a soaring vocal melody. Overall, 'Songs (8) for voice & piano, Op. 57' showcases Sibelius's skill at setting Finnish poetry to music. The songs range from melancholic to triumphant, and each one features a unique vocal melody and piano accompaniment. The work remains a beloved part of the Finnish art song repertoire.

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