Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1864

Average_duration

:

1:43

"Ich schleich umher betrübt und stumm" (I wander around, sad and silent) is a lied composed by Johannes Brahms, Op. 32/3. It was composed in 1864 and premiered in Vienna in the same year. The song is part of a set of six lieder, Op. 32, which Brahms composed during his stay in Vienna. The song is in A minor and has a slow tempo. It is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The text is a poem by Heinrich Heine, which describes the feelings of a person who is wandering around, feeling sad and alone. The melody is melancholic and reflects the mood of the text. The song has three distinct sections. The first section is in A minor and is marked "sehr zart und innig" (very tender and intimate). The melody is simple and repetitive, with the piano accompaniment providing a gentle, flowing rhythm. The second section is in A major and is marked "etwas bewegter" (somewhat more animated). The melody becomes more complex and the piano accompaniment becomes more active. The third section returns to A minor and is marked "sehr langsam und ausdrucksvoll" (very slow and expressive). The melody becomes more intense and the piano accompaniment becomes more dramatic. The song is characteristic of Brahms' style, with its emphasis on melody and harmony. The melody is simple and memorable, with a strong emotional impact. The harmony is rich and complex, with unexpected chord progressions and modulations. The piano accompaniment is an integral part of the song, providing a subtle and nuanced support to the voice. Overall, "Ich schleich umher betrübt und stumm" is a beautiful and poignant song, which captures the essence of Brahms' style and the emotional depth of Heine's poetry. It is a testament to Brahms' skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the heart.

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