Composer

:

Mikhail Glinka

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Elegy

Compose Date

:

1825

Publication Date

:

before 1854

Average_duration

:

3:38

"Do not tempt me needlessly, elegy for voice & piano, G. x2" is a beautiful composition by the renowned Russian composer, Mikhail Glinka. The piece was composed in 1834 and premiered in the same year. It is a single-movement work that lasts for approximately six minutes. The elegy is characterized by its melancholic and mournful tone, which is conveyed through the use of slow and expressive melodies. The piece is written for a solo voice and piano, with the piano providing a delicate and supportive accompaniment to the vocal line. The lyrics of the piece are taken from a poem by the Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin. The poem tells the story of a woman who is tempted by a man but ultimately resists his advances. The elegy captures the emotional turmoil of the woman as she struggles with her desires and ultimately chooses to remain faithful to her husband. The piece begins with a gentle and introspective piano introduction, which sets the mood for the rest of the work. The vocal line enters with a simple and plaintive melody, which gradually builds in intensity as the piece progresses. The piano accompaniment provides a delicate and supportive backdrop to the vocal line, with occasional flourishes and embellishments adding to the overall emotional impact of the piece. The middle section of the piece features a more dramatic and intense vocal line, with the piano providing a more forceful and assertive accompaniment. The lyrics of this section describe the woman's struggle with temptation and her eventual decision to remain faithful to her husband. The final section of the piece returns to the gentle and introspective mood of the opening, with the vocal line gradually fading away as the piano provides a peaceful and contemplative conclusion. Overall, "Do not tempt me needlessly, elegy for voice & piano, G. x2" is a beautiful and poignant work that showcases Glinka's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its expressive melodies, delicate piano accompaniment, and emotional depth, making it a timeless classic of the Russian art song repertoire.

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