Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1885 - 1888

Average_duration

:

1:48

"Wozu noch, Mächden, soll es frommen" is a song composed by Richard Strauss, Op. 19/1. It was composed in 1887 when Strauss was just 23 years old. The song was premiered in Munich in 1888, with the composer himself at the piano. The song is part of a set of six songs for voice and piano, collectively known as "Sechs Lieder, Op. 19". The text for "Wozu noch, Mächden, soll es frommen" is taken from a poem by Friedrich Rückert. The poem is a dialogue between two maidens, one of whom is questioning the purpose of love and marriage. The song is in a slow tempo and is marked "sehr ruhig" (very calm). It is in the key of F major and is written in a simple, strophic form. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, with gentle arpeggios and occasional flourishes. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long, flowing phrases. The melody is characterized by wide intervals and a sense of yearning. The text is set with great sensitivity, with the music reflecting the emotional content of the words. Overall, "Wozu noch, Mächden, soll es frommen" is a beautiful and poignant song, showcasing Strauss's early talent for melody and his ability to capture the emotional essence of a text.

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