Composer

:

Edvard Grieg

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1864 - 1868

Publication Date

:

1868

Average_duration

:

1:55

Edvard Grieg's 'Margaret's Lullaby for voice & piano, Op. 15/1' was composed in 1866 and premiered in the same year. The piece is part of a collection of six songs, collectively known as 'Six Songs, Op. 15'. The movements of the piece are divided into three sections, with the first section being a gentle lullaby, the second section being more lively and playful, and the third section returning to the peaceful lullaby theme. The piece is characterized by its simple and delicate melody, which is accompanied by a gentle and flowing piano accompaniment. The vocal line is written in a high register, which adds to the ethereal and dreamlike quality of the piece. The lyrics, written by Grieg's friend and collaborator, Holger Drachmann, tell the story of a mother singing a lullaby to her child, Margaret, as she falls asleep. The first section of the piece begins with a soft and gentle piano introduction, which sets the mood for the lullaby. The vocal line enters with a simple melody, which is repeated throughout the section. The piano accompaniment is sparse, with gentle arpeggios and chords that support the vocal line without overpowering it. The second section of the piece is more lively and playful, with a faster tempo and a more complex piano accompaniment. The vocal line becomes more animated, with a more varied melody that reflects the playful nature of the lyrics. The piano accompaniment is more active, with rapid arpeggios and syncopated rhythms that create a sense of movement and energy. The third section of the piece returns to the peaceful lullaby theme of the first section. The vocal line is once again simple and delicate, with a melody that is similar to the opening section. The piano accompaniment is also similar, with gentle arpeggios and chords that support the vocal line without overpowering it. The piece ends with a soft and gentle piano coda, which brings the lullaby to a peaceful close. Overall, 'Margaret's Lullaby for voice & piano, Op. 15/1' is a beautiful and delicate piece that captures the gentle and loving nature of a mother singing a lullaby to her child. Grieg's simple and elegant melody, combined with Drachmann's heartfelt lyrics, create a piece that is both soothing and uplifting.

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