Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1910

Average_duration

:

21:10

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Jean Sibelius composed 'Songs (8) for voice & piano, Op. 61' in 1912. The work premiered in Helsinki, Finland on November 22, 1912, with the composer himself accompanying the singer, Aino Ackté. The eight songs are set to Finnish texts by various poets, including Jalmari Finne, L. Onerva, and Eino Leino. The first song, "Saarella palaa" (Burning on an Island), is a haunting and atmospheric piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second song, "Var det en dröm?" (Was it a Dream?), is a melancholic and introspective piece that explores themes of love and loss. The third song, "Im Feld ein Mädchen singt" (A Girl Sings in the Field), is a lively and playful piece that captures the joy of youth and nature. The fourth song, "Se'n har jag ej frågat mera" (Since Then I Have Asked No More), is a somber and introspective piece that explores themes of regret and longing. The fifth song, "Demanten på marssnön" (The Diamond on the March Snow), is a delicate and ethereal piece that captures the beauty of winter. The sixth song, "Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte" (The Girl Returned from Meeting Her Lover), is a dramatic and passionate piece that explores themes of love and betrayal. The seventh song, "Våren flyktar hastigt" (Spring Flies Swiftly), is a lively and joyful piece that celebrates the arrival of spring. The final song, "Vem styrde hit din väg?" (Who Guided Your Path Here?), is a haunting and introspective piece that explores themes of fate and destiny. Overall, 'Songs (8) for voice & piano, Op. 61' is a beautiful and evocative cycle that showcases Sibelius' skill as a composer of art songs. The songs are characterized by their rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and vivid imagery, and they offer a glimpse into the world of Finnish poetry and culture.

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