Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1884

Average_duration

:

3:13

Johannes Brahms composed "Wir wandelten, wir zwei zusammen, Op. 96/2" in 1884. The piece is part of his "Vier ernste Gesänge" (Four Serious Songs), which were composed in the last years of his life. The premiere of the songs took place in Vienna in 1896, two years after Brahms' death. "Wir wandelten, wir zwei zusammen" is the second movement of the cycle and is set to a text from the Book of Ecclesiastes. The text speaks of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. Brahms' setting of the text is somber and introspective, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The piece is written for a low voice (usually bass or baritone) and piano. The piano part is sparse and understated, providing a simple accompaniment to the voice. The vocal line is characterized by long, sustained notes and a sense of melancholy. The piece begins with a slow, mournful introduction in the piano. The voice enters with the first line of the text, "Wir wandelten, wir zwei zusammen" (We walked together, the two of us). The melody is simple and plaintive, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The second verse, "Ach, dass du wärst mein Bruder" (Oh, that you were my brother), is more intense, with a rising melody that reaches a climax on the word "Bruder" (brother). The third verse, "Wir aber müssen scheiden" (But we must part), is the emotional heart of the piece. The melody is slow and mournful, with a sense of finality and resignation. The final verse, "O Tod, wie bitter bist du" (Oh death, how bitter you are), is a meditation on the inevitability of death. The melody is quiet and introspective, with a sense of acceptance and peace. Overall, "Wir wandelten, wir zwei zusammen" is a deeply emotional and introspective piece. Brahms' setting of the text is simple and understated, allowing the words to speak for themselves. The piece is a testament to Brahms' skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of a text in music.

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