Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Jan 4, 1878

Average_duration

:

1:40

Johannes Brahms composed 'Sonntag, Op. 47/3' in 1868. It is the third movement of his 'Fünf Gesänge, Op. 47' (Five Songs, Op. 47). The premiere of the song cycle took place on December 22, 1868, in Vienna, with Brahms himself at the piano. 'Sonntag' is a German word that translates to 'Sunday' in English. The song is a setting of a poem by Nikolaus Lenau, a 19th-century Austrian poet. The text describes the peacefulness and beauty of a Sunday morning, with the speaker feeling a sense of calm and contentment. The song is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the piano, which sets the peaceful mood of the piece. The vocal line enters with the first verse, sung in a lyrical and expressive manner. The melody is simple and elegant, with occasional moments of chromaticism that add a touch of melancholy to the otherwise serene atmosphere. The second verse features a more complex piano accompaniment, with arpeggios and syncopated rhythms that create a sense of movement and energy. The vocal line becomes more passionate and intense, as the speaker expresses their gratitude for the beauty of the world around them. The third and final verse returns to the peaceful mood of the opening, with the piano playing a gentle, lullaby-like accompaniment. The vocal line is sung softly and tenderly, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. Overall, 'Sonntag, Op. 47/3' is a beautiful and introspective song that captures the essence of a peaceful Sunday morning. Brahms' simple yet elegant melody and expressive harmonies perfectly complement Lenau's poetic text, creating a work of art that is both poignant and uplifting.

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