Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1871

Average_duration

:

1:57

"Ach, wende diesen Blick, Op. 57/4" is a song composed by Johannes Brahms in 1871. It is part of his "Vier ernste Gesänge" (Four Serious Songs), which were composed towards the end of his life. The song is written for a low voice and piano, and is based on a text from the Bible, specifically Ecclesiastes 4:1-3. The song premiered on October 12, 1896, in Vienna, with the baritone singer Anton Sistermanns and Brahms himself at the piano. The piece is divided into three movements, with the first and third being slow and the second being faster. The first movement begins with a somber and mournful piano introduction, which sets the tone for the entire piece. The singer enters with the text "Ach, wende diesen Blick," which translates to "Ah, turn away this gaze." The music is characterized by its slow tempo, long phrases, and expressive melodic lines. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, allowing the voice to take center stage. The second movement is faster and more rhythmic, with the text "Ich wandte mich und sah an alle" ("I turned and looked at all"). The music is more agitated and urgent, with a sense of restlessness and anxiety. The piano accompaniment is more active, with rapid arpeggios and syncopated rhythms. The third movement returns to the slow and mournful mood of the first, with the text "O Tod, wie bitter bist du" ("Oh death, how bitter you are"). The music is characterized by its descending melodic lines and chromatic harmonies, which convey a sense of sadness and despair. The piano accompaniment is once again understated, with simple chords and occasional flourishes. Overall, "Ach, wende diesen Blick" is a deeply emotional and introspective piece, reflecting Brahms' own contemplation of mortality and the human condition. The music is characterized by its expressive melodies, rich harmonies, and understated piano accompaniment, which allow the voice to convey the full range of emotions in the text.

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