Composer

:

Modest Mussorgsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1863

Publication Date

:

1923

Average_duration

:

2:42

"We parted coldly, but if I could meet thee again" is a song composed by Modest Mussorgsky in 1867. It was premiered in the same year in St. Petersburg, Russia. The song is part of Mussorgsky's song cycle "The Nursery," which consists of ten songs based on poems by Arseny Golenishchev-Kutuzov. The song is in the key of F minor and has a slow tempo. It is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections being in the same key and the second section modulating to the key of A-flat major. The piano accompaniment is sparse and melancholic, with long sustained chords and occasional arpeggios. The lyrics of the song describe the pain of a lover who has been separated from their beloved. The narrator longs to be reunited with their lover, even though they parted on bad terms. The song is characterized by its emotional intensity and the use of chromaticism to convey the narrator's feelings of longing and despair. Mussorgsky's use of chromaticism was a departure from the traditional tonal language of Western classical music, and it was a hallmark of his style. He was also known for his use of folk melodies and rhythms in his compositions, which gave his music a distinctly Russian flavor. Overall, "We parted coldly, but if I could meet thee again" is a poignant and expressive song that showcases Mussorgsky's unique musical voice. Its emotional depth and musical sophistication make it a standout work in the repertoire of Russian art songs.

More....