Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Cycle

Compose Date

:

1877

Publication Date

:

1882

Average_duration

:

15:46

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johannes Brahms composed his 'Songs (6), Op. 86' in 1877. The songs were premiered in Vienna on November 20, 1877, with Brahms himself accompanying the singer, Hermine Spies. The six songs are set to poems by various poets, including Heinrich Heine, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Paul Flemming. The first song, "Guter Rat," is a setting of a poem by Heine. It is a lively and playful song, with a jaunty piano accompaniment that perfectly captures the mischievous tone of the poem. The second song, "Minnelied," is a setting of a poem by Flemming. It is a tender and romantic song, with a flowing piano accompaniment that supports the soaring vocal melody. The third song, "Gesang aus Fingal," is a setting of a poem by James Macpherson. It is a dramatic and powerful song, with a driving piano accompaniment that evokes the stormy seas and rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. The fourth song, "Sapphische Ode," is a setting of a poem by Goethe. It is a delicate and ethereal song, with a gentle piano accompaniment that supports the soaring vocal line. The fifth song, "Abendlied," is a setting of a poem by Clemens Brentano. It is a peaceful and contemplative song, with a simple piano accompaniment that perfectly captures the quiet beauty of the evening. The final song, "Nachtwandler," is a setting of a poem by Heine. It is a haunting and mysterious song, with a sparse piano accompaniment that perfectly captures the eerie atmosphere of the poem. Overall, Brahms' 'Songs (6), Op. 86' are a masterful collection of songs that showcase his skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of each poem in his music. The songs are varied in mood and style, but they are all united by Brahms' signature blend of lyricism, drama, and emotional depth.

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