Composer

:

Leevi Madetoja

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Average_duration

:

3:31

'By Winter Moonlight, Op. 26/5' is a beautiful and haunting piece of music composed by the Finnish composer Leevi Madetoja. The piece was composed in 1924 and premiered in Helsinki on November 28th of the same year. It is part of a larger collection of songs called 'Five Songs, Op. 26', which were all composed for voice and piano. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is marked 'Andante con moto' and is characterized by a slow and mournful melody. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, allowing the voice to take center stage. The lyrics, written by the Finnish poet Eino Leino, describe a winter landscape and the feelings of loneliness and isolation that come with it. The second movement is marked 'Allegro moderato' and is much more lively than the first. The melody is more complex and the piano accompaniment is more active. The lyrics describe the beauty of the winter landscape and the joy that can be found in it, despite the cold and darkness. The final movement is marked 'Andante' and returns to the mournful melody of the first movement. The piano accompaniment is once again sparse and delicate, allowing the voice to convey the emotions of the lyrics. The lyrics describe the longing for spring and the hope that it will bring new life and happiness. Overall, 'By Winter Moonlight, Op. 26/5' is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that captures the feelings of loneliness, isolation, and hope that are often associated with the winter season. The haunting melody and sparse piano accompaniment create a sense of melancholy that is both poignant and beautiful.

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