Composer

:

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1880

Average_duration

:

5:53

"Was I not a little blade of grass?" is a song composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky in 1880. It is the seventh song in his Opus 47 collection of songs. The song is set to a poem by Aleksey Konstantinovich Tolstoy, a Russian poet and playwright. The song premiered in Moscow in 1880, performed by the Russian mezzo-soprano Yelizaveta Lavrovskaya. It has since become a popular piece in the repertoire of many singers. The song is in the key of F major and is written for voice and piano. It is a slow and melancholic piece, with a simple and repetitive melody that reflects the poem's themes of humility and insignificance. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, with gentle arpeggios and occasional flourishes that add to the song's emotional depth. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is marked "Andante cantabile" and is sung in a soft and introspective manner. The second section is marked "Poco più mosso" and is more agitated, with a rising melody that reflects the speaker's growing sense of frustration and despair. The final section returns to the original melody and tempo, but with a sense of resignation and acceptance. Overall, "Was I not a little blade of grass?" is a poignant and introspective piece that reflects Tchaikovsky's skill at setting poetry to music. Its simple melody and delicate accompaniment make it a popular choice for singers looking to showcase their emotional range and interpretive skills.

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