Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

1909

Average_duration

:

3:21

'We Ask for Nothing Rich or Rare' is a song composed by Jean Sibelius, one of the most prominent Finnish composers of the late Romantic period. The song was composed in 1898 and is part of his Opus 1 collection, which includes several other songs for voice and piano. The song premiered in Helsinki in 1898, and it quickly became popular in Finland due to its patriotic lyrics and simple yet beautiful melody. The lyrics were written by Zacharias Topelius, a Finnish-Swedish writer who was known for his patriotic poetry. The song consists of three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and tempo. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with a simple piano accompaniment that supports the soaring melody of the voice. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with a faster tempo and a more complex piano accompaniment that adds depth and texture to the music. The third movement returns to the slower tempo of the first movement, but with a more triumphant and celebratory tone that reflects the patriotic sentiment of the lyrics. Overall, 'We Ask for Nothing Rich or Rare' is a beautiful and moving piece of music that captures the spirit of Finnish patriotism and national pride. Sibelius's simple yet powerful melody, combined with Topelius's stirring lyrics, make this song a timeless classic that continues to be beloved by audiences in Finland and around the world.

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