Composer

:

Peter Cornelius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

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Vocal Music

Peter Cornelius was a German composer, writer, and painter who lived from 1824 to 1874. He was a prominent figure in the German Romantic movement and is best known for his lieder, or art songs. One of his most famous works is "Auf ein schimmerndes Kind," Op. 5/2, which was composed in 1856. The piece premiered in 1857 and is part of a collection of six songs called "Weihnachtslieder" (Christmas Songs). "Auf ein schimmerndes Kind" is the second song in the collection and is written for voice and piano. The piece is in a slow tempo and is marked "sehr zart und innig" (very tender and intimate). It is in the key of F major and has a simple, flowing melody that is accompanied by a gentle, arpeggiated piano part. The vocal line is expressive and lyrical, with long, sustained notes and occasional ornamentation. The text of the song is a poem by Friedrich Rückert, which describes a sleeping child and the peacefulness of the night. The poem is full of imagery, with references to stars, angels, and dreams. Cornelius's setting of the text captures the serene and dreamlike quality of the poem, with its gentle melody and delicate piano accompaniment. Overall, "Auf ein schimmerndes Kind" is a beautiful example of Cornelius's skill as a composer of lieder. Its simple yet expressive melody and delicate piano accompaniment perfectly capture the mood of the poem, making it a beloved piece in the German art song repertoire.

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