Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1884

Average_duration

:

2:04

"Mein Herz ist schwer" (My heart is heavy) is a lied composed by Johannes Brahms, Op. 94/3. It was composed in 1884 and premiered in Vienna on November 20, 1884. The song is part of a set of six lieder, Op. 94, which Brahms composed for voice and piano. The song is in the key of E minor and has a slow tempo. It is a melancholic and introspective piece, with a somber and mournful melody. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, providing a simple and unobtrusive backdrop for the voice. The song is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first section is marked "Langsam und schmerzvoll" (slow and painful) and sets the tone for the entire piece. The second section is marked "Etwas bewegter" (somewhat more animated) and features a more agitated and restless melody. The final section returns to the slow and mournful mood of the opening, with the piano accompaniment gradually fading away to a quiet and somber conclusion. The lyrics of the song are a poem by Friedrich Rückert, which Brahms set to music. The poem speaks of a heavy heart burdened by sorrow and pain, longing for release and peace. The music perfectly captures the mood and sentiment of the poem, with its mournful melody and understated accompaniment. Overall, "Mein Herz ist schwer" is a beautiful and poignant piece of music, showcasing Brahms' mastery of the art of lieder composition. Its melancholic and introspective mood, combined with its simple and understated melody, make it a timeless classic of the genre.

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