Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:25

Johannes Brahms composed 'Versunken, Op. 86/5' in 1882. It is the fifth song in his Opus 86 collection, which consists of six songs for voice and piano. The premiere of the song was in Vienna in 1882, with Brahms himself accompanying the singer. 'Versunken' is a German word that means 'sunken' or 'submerged.' The song is a setting of a poem by Felix Schumann, the son of Robert Schumann. The poem describes a person who is lost in thought, contemplating the beauty of nature and the passing of time. The speaker reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death, but finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. The song is in the key of E-flat major and is marked 'Andante con moto.' It has a simple, flowing melody that is supported by a gentle, undulating accompaniment in the piano. The vocal line is characterized by long, sustained notes and expressive phrasing, which convey the introspective mood of the poem. The song is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is marked by a sense of stillness and contemplation, as the speaker reflects on the passing of time. The second section is more animated, with a rising melody that suggests a sense of urgency or agitation. The final section returns to the calm, introspective mood of the opening, with the speaker finding comfort in the beauty of the natural world. Overall, 'Versunken, Op. 86/5' is a beautiful and introspective song that showcases Brahms' skill as a composer of lieder. Its simple melody and expressive phrasing capture the mood of the poem perfectly, creating a poignant meditation on the transience of life and the beauty of the natural world.

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