Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

May 22, 1835

Publication Date

:

1838

Auf dem See, Op. 41/6 is a Lied (art song) composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1837. The piece is part of his collection of six Lieder, Op. 41, which were composed during his honeymoon with his wife Cécile. The premiere of the piece is not well documented, but it is believed to have been performed privately during the Mendelssohns' honeymoon. The piece is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. It is set to a poem by Ludwig Uhland, which describes a peaceful boat ride on a lake. The poem's imagery is reflected in Mendelssohn's music, which is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and serene harmonies. The piece is in the key of F major and is marked "Andante con moto" (moderately slow). The piece is divided into three distinct sections, each of which reflects a different aspect of the poem's imagery. The first section describes the calmness of the lake, with the voice and piano both playing gentle, flowing lines. The second section describes the reflection of the stars on the water, with the piano playing a shimmering accompaniment while the voice sings a melody that rises and falls like the waves. The final section describes the boat's journey to the shore, with the music becoming more energetic and the voice singing a triumphant melody. Overall, Auf dem See, Op. 41/6 is a beautiful example of Mendelssohn's skill as a composer of Lieder. Its gentle melody and serene harmonies perfectly capture the peaceful imagery of Uhland's poem, making it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

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