Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1840

Average_duration

:

1:44

"Ich kann's nicht fassen, nicht glauben" is a song composed by Robert Schumann, Op. 42/3. It was composed in 1840, during Schumann's "Liederjahr" or "Year of Song," a period in which he composed over 140 songs. The song was premiered in Leipzig on December 1, 1840, with the composer's wife, Clara Schumann, as the pianist. The song is part of Schumann's song cycle "Dichterliebe," which consists of sixteen songs set to poems by Heinrich Heine. "Ich kann's nicht fassen, nicht glauben" is the third song in the cycle and is a poignant expression of the protagonist's grief and disbelief at the loss of his beloved. The song is in A-flat major and is marked "Sehr langsam" (very slow). It is in a simple A-B-A form, with the A section consisting of a mournful melody in the piano accompanied by a simple, repetitive vocal line. The B section is more agitated, with the piano taking on a more active role and the vocal line becoming more complex. The A section returns, but with a slight variation in the piano accompaniment, before the song ends with a quiet, resigned coda. The song's characteristics are typical of Schumann's style, with a focus on melody and harmony to convey emotion. The mournful melody and simple accompaniment in the A section create a sense of despair and hopelessness, while the more agitated B section expresses the protagonist's anger and frustration. The use of chromaticism and dissonance in the piano accompaniment adds to the emotional intensity of the song. Overall, "Ich kann's nicht fassen, nicht glauben" is a powerful expression of grief and loss, and a testament to Schumann's skill as a composer of lieder.

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