Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1960

Average_duration

:

4:03

"Um Mitternacht" is a song composed by Benjamin Britten in 1958. It was premiered on July 14, 1958, at the Aldeburgh Festival in England. The song is part of Britten's song cycle "Vier Letzte Lieder" (Four Last Songs), which is based on poems by Rainer Maria Rilke. "Um Mitternacht" is the third song in the cycle and is sung in German. The song is divided into two sections, with the first section being slow and mournful, while the second section is faster and more intense. The song is written for a solo voice and piano. The lyrics of "Um Mitternacht" are based on a poem by Rilke, which explores the themes of death and redemption. The poem describes a person who is facing death and is seeking redemption. The person is looking for a way to reconcile with God and to find peace in the face of death. The music of "Um Mitternacht" is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism. The slow, mournful opening section is marked by a sense of despair and hopelessness, while the faster, more intense second section is marked by a sense of urgency and desperation. Overall, "Um Mitternacht" is a powerful and moving song that explores the themes of death and redemption in a profound and meaningful way. It is a testament to Britten's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the emotional depth and complexity of Rilke's poetry.

More....