Composer

:

Sergey Rachmaninov

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1899

Average_duration

:

1:45

Sergey Rachmaninov's "Were You Hiccoughing?" is a humorous song composed in 1916. It was premiered in Moscow on December 4, 1916, with the composer himself at the piano. The song is part of a collection of 12 songs, Op. 38, which were composed between 1915 and 1916. The song is in the key of F major and has a playful and lighthearted character. It is written for a high voice and piano accompaniment. The text, written by Dmitry Merezhkovsky, tells the story of a man who is trying to woo a woman but is interrupted by her hiccups. The man tries to cure her hiccups with various remedies, but nothing seems to work. The song ends with the woman finally getting rid of her hiccups and the man asking her to marry him. The song is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is marked "Allegro vivace" and has a lively and energetic character. The second section is marked "Andante" and is more lyrical and expressive. The final section is marked "Allegro vivace" and returns to the playful and energetic character of the opening. Rachmaninov's use of chromaticism and unexpected harmonic shifts adds to the humor and whimsy of the song. The piano accompaniment is also full of playful gestures and syncopated rhythms. Overall, "Were You Hiccoughing?" is a charming and entertaining song that showcases Rachmaninov's skill as a composer of both serious and lighthearted music.

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