Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1868

Average_duration

:

1:34

Johannes Brahms composed "Die grüne Hopfenranke (Liebeslieder Waltzes), Op. 52/5" in 1869. The piece premiered on February 7, 1870, in Vienna, Austria. It is part of Brahms' collection of Liebeslieder Waltzes, which consists of 18 short waltzes for vocal quartet and piano four-hands. "Die grüne Hopfenranke" is the fifth waltz in the collection and is sung by the alto and tenor voices. The piece is in 3/4 time and is written in the key of A-flat major. The tempo marking is "Grazioso" (graceful), and the character of the piece is light and playful. The waltz begins with a piano introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The vocalists then enter with the first verse, singing about a green hop vine that grows in the garden. The lyrics describe the vine's beauty and how it reminds the singer of their beloved. The second verse continues with the theme of love and nature, comparing the vine's growth to the growth of the singer's love for their beloved. The third verse changes the mood slightly, with the lyrics describing the singer's longing for their beloved. The music also becomes more intense, with the piano playing a more complex accompaniment. The fourth and final verse returns to the theme of nature, with the lyrics describing the vine's leaves turning red in the autumn. The piece ends with a repeat of the first verse, bringing the piece full circle. Overall, "Die grüne Hopfenranke" is a charming and lighthearted waltz that showcases Brahms' skill in writing for vocal quartet and piano four-hands. The piece's use of nature imagery to express themes of love and longing is a common theme in Brahms' music.

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