Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1852

Average_duration

:

3:10

"Abschied von der Welt" (Farewell to the World) is the fourth movement of Robert Schumann's Opus 135, a collection of five songs for voice and piano. The song was composed in 1853, during a period of great emotional turmoil for Schumann, who was suffering from mental illness and had attempted suicide the previous year. The premiere of Opus 135 took place in Leipzig in 1854, with the composer's wife, Clara Schumann, performing the piano accompaniment. The songs were well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Schumann's ability to convey deep emotion through his music. "Abschied von der Welt" is a hauntingly beautiful song that speaks to the pain and sadness of leaving the world behind. The lyrics, written by the German poet Emanuel Geibel, describe a person who is ready to depart from this life and enter into the next. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of resignation and acceptance that is both poignant and moving. The song is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section begins with a simple piano accompaniment that sets the mood for the entire piece. The vocal line enters softly, with a sense of introspection and reflection. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending pattern that creates a sense of sadness and finality. The second section is more dramatic, with a sudden shift in tempo and dynamics. The piano accompaniment becomes more complex, with a series of arpeggios and trills that create a sense of urgency and tension. The vocal line rises in intensity, with a series of high notes that convey a sense of longing and desperation. The final section returns to the mood of the opening, with a simple piano accompaniment and a soft, introspective vocal line. The melody is repeated several times, with slight variations that create a sense of resolution and acceptance. The song ends on a quiet, peaceful note, with the final words "Farewell, farewell" sung softly and gently. Overall, "Abschied von der Welt" is a powerful and moving song that showcases Schumann's ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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