Composer

:

Fanny Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1841

Average_duration

:

3:01

Fanny Mendelssohn's 'Das Jahr' is a cycle of twelve character pieces for solo piano, composed in 1841. The work was premiered in Berlin on December 13, 1842, with Fanny herself as the pianist. Each piece is dedicated to a different month of the year, and the cycle as a whole is a reflection on the passing of time and the changing of the seasons. The first piece in the cycle, 'January: Am Kamin', sets the tone for the rest of the work with its introspective and contemplative mood. The second piece, 'February: Karneval', is a lively and playful dance, evoking the festive atmosphere of the carnival season. 'March: Aufenthalt' is a more somber piece, with a mournful melody and a sense of longing. 'April: Capriccio' is a virtuosic showpiece, full of rapid runs and arpeggios. 'May: Maienlied' is a gentle and lyrical piece, with a flowing melody that evokes the beauty of springtime. 'June: Barcarolle' is a graceful and elegant piece, with a lilting rhythm that suggests the motion of a boat on the water. 'July: Lied' is a simple and straightforward piece, with a singable melody and a gentle accompaniment. 'August: Wanderlied' is a more adventurous piece, with a wandering melody that suggests a journey through the countryside. 'September: Am Fluße' is a peaceful and reflective piece, with a flowing accompaniment that suggests the motion of a river. 'October: Erntelied' is a lively and celebratory piece, with a festive melody that suggests the harvest season. 'November: Abendlied' is a more introspective piece, with a melancholy melody and a sense of quiet contemplation. The final piece in the cycle, 'December: Weihnachtslied', is a joyful and festive piece, with a lively melody that evokes the spirit of Christmas. Overall, 'Das Jahr' is a masterful work that showcases Fanny Mendelssohn's skill as a composer and pianist. The cycle as a whole is a reflection on the passing of time and the changing of the seasons, and each piece captures a different mood and atmosphere. From the introspective 'January: Am Kamin' to the joyful 'December: Weihnachtslied', 'Das Jahr' is a rich and varied work that continues to captivate audiences today.

More....