Composer

:

Fanny Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:56

"An Suleika" is a song composed by Fanny Mendelssohn in 1842. It was premiered in Berlin on March 14, 1843, with Fanny's sister, the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn, accompanying on the piano. The song is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a young woman named Suleika who is in love with a man named Hatem. The poem is part of Goethe's "West-Eastern Divan," a collection of poems inspired by Persian literature. The song is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of Suleika's story. The first movement is slow and mournful, reflecting Suleika's sadness at being separated from Hatem. The second movement is faster and more lively, reflecting Suleika's joy at being reunited with Hatem. The third movement is slow and contemplative, reflecting Suleika's acceptance of her fate and her resignation to the fact that she and Hatem can never be together. One of the most striking characteristics of "An Suleika" is its use of chromaticism. Fanny Mendelssohn was known for her innovative use of harmony, and in this song, she employs a number of chromatic chords to create a sense of tension and longing. The song also features a number of virtuosic piano passages, which showcase Fanny's skill as a pianist as well as a composer. Overall, "An Suleika" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Fanny Mendelssohn's talent as a composer. Its emotional depth and innovative use of harmony make it a standout work in the canon of 19th-century art song.

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