Composer

:

Edvard Grieg

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Romance

Compose Date

:

1865 - 1869

Publication Date

:

1869

Average_duration

:

3:40

"A Poet's Last Song, Op. 18/3" is a song composed by Edvard Grieg in 1864. It was premiered in Christiania (now Oslo) on February 22, 1865, with Grieg himself accompanying the singer, Julius Stockhausen. The song is part of a set of six songs, collectively known as "Six Poems by Henrik Ibsen," which Grieg composed based on the poems of the Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen. The song is in the key of G minor and has a moderate tempo. It is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections being in a slower tempo and the middle section being faster and more agitated. The song begins with a melancholic melody played by the piano, which is then joined by the singer. The lyrics describe a poet who is nearing the end of his life and reflecting on his past. The middle section of the song is more dramatic, with the singer expressing the poet's frustration and anger at the world. The final section returns to the slower tempo and the melancholic melody, with the singer expressing the poet's resignation and acceptance of his fate. The song is characteristic of Grieg's style, with its use of Norwegian folk melodies and its emphasis on melody and harmony over virtuosic display. The piano accompaniment is particularly notable, with Grieg using it to create a rich and expressive texture that complements the singer's voice. The song is also notable for its emotional depth and its exploration of themes such as mortality, regret, and acceptance. Overall, "A Poet's Last Song, Op. 18/3" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Grieg's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of Ibsen's poetry. It remains a popular and frequently performed piece in the classical repertoire.

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