Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1843 - 1860

Publication Date

:

1848 - 1861

Average_duration

:

2:53

Franz Liszt's "Wer nie sein Brot mit Tränen aß, S. 297" is a song for voice and piano, composed in 1879. The premiere of the piece took place in Weimar, Germany, on October 22, 1879, with Liszt himself accompanying the singer. The song is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a man who has experienced hardship and suffering in his life. The title translates to "He who never ate his bread with tears," and the lyrics describe the struggles of a person who has had to work hard for everything they have, and who has faced many obstacles and setbacks along the way. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the poem's themes. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple melody that emphasizes the sadness and hardship of the protagonist's life. The second movement is more upbeat and energetic, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody that suggests the resilience and determination of the protagonist. The final movement returns to the slower, more mournful tone of the first, but with a sense of acceptance and resignation that suggests the protagonist has come to terms with his struggles and found a measure of peace. Overall, "Wer nie sein Brot mit Tränen aß, S. 297" is a powerful and moving piece that captures the essence of Goethe's poem. Liszt's skillful composition and sensitive accompaniment create a haunting and evocative musical portrait of a life marked by struggle and perseverance.

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