Composer

:

Alexander von Zemlinsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1899

Average_duration

:

4:13

"Und hat der Tag all' seine Qual" is a song composed by Alexander von Zemlinsky in 1899. It is the second of his Opus 8, a collection of six songs for voice and piano. The song premiered in Vienna in 1900, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. The song is set to a poem by Richard Dehmel, a German poet known for his sensual and often controversial works. The text describes the pain and longing of a lover who is separated from their beloved. The day is described as full of suffering, with the night offering no relief. The speaker longs for the return of their lover, and the song ends with a plea for them to come back. The music of "Und hat der Tag all' seine Qual" is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive melodies. The piano accompaniment is rich and complex, with frequent shifts in texture and mood. The vocal line is equally expressive, with long, sweeping phrases and frequent use of chromaticism and dissonance. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is slow and mournful, with the vocal line rising and falling in long, sighing phrases. The second section is faster and more agitated, with the piano accompaniment becoming more complex and dissonant. The final section returns to the mood of the opening, with the vocal line descending to a low, mournful register. Overall, "Und hat der Tag all' seine Qual" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Zemlinsky's skill as a composer of art songs. Its lush harmonies and expressive melodies make it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

More....