Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1894

Average_duration

:

1:27

'Die Sonne scheint nicht mehr, WoO 33/5' is a song composed by Johannes Brahms in 1865. It was premiered in the same year in Vienna, Austria. The song is part of a collection of five songs, which Brahms composed for his friend, the baritone Julius Stockhausen. The collection is known as the 'Fünf Gesänge, Op. 72'. The song is written in the key of E minor and has a slow tempo. It is a melancholic and somber piece, with a sense of resignation and despair. The lyrics, written by Friedrich Rückert, describe the feeling of loss and the absence of the sun, which is used as a metaphor for the loss of a loved one. The song is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections having the same melody and the second section having a contrasting melody. The first section begins with a simple piano accompaniment, which sets the mood for the song. The baritone enters with the first line of the lyrics, "Die Sonne scheint nicht mehr" (The sun no longer shines), and the melody is introduced. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending line that emphasizes the feeling of sadness and loss. The second section begins with a change in the piano accompaniment, which becomes more complex and dissonant. The melody also changes, with a more agitated and restless line that reflects the turmoil of the emotions described in the lyrics. The baritone sings, "Ich weiß nicht, wie mir ist" (I don't know how I feel), expressing the confusion and uncertainty of the situation. The third section returns to the melody of the first section, but with a slight variation. The piano accompaniment is also simplified, creating a sense of resolution and acceptance. The baritone sings, "Die Sonne scheint nicht mehr" once again, but this time with a different inflection, suggesting a new understanding of the situation. Overall, 'Die Sonne scheint nicht mehr, WoO 33/5' is a powerful and emotional song that captures the feeling of loss and despair. Brahms' use of simple melodies and contrasting sections creates a sense of tension and release, reflecting the complex emotions described in the lyrics.

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