Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

1:41

Johannes Brahms composed "Wenn du nur zuweilen lächelst, Op. 57/2" in 1871. The piece is part of a collection of five songs for voice and piano, collectively known as "Fünf Lieder, Op. 57." The premiere of the collection took place in Vienna in 1872, with Brahms himself accompanying the singer. "Wenn du nur zuweilen lächelst" is the second song in the collection and is set to a poem by Georg Friedrich Daumer. The poem speaks of the power of a smile to bring joy and light to the world, even in the midst of darkness and sorrow. Brahms' music captures the sentiment of the poem with its gentle, lilting melody and delicate piano accompaniment. The song is in A major and is marked "Andante con moto" (moderately slow with motion). It is composed in a simple A-B-A form, with the A sections featuring the main melody and the B section providing a contrasting middle section. The piano accompaniment is light and airy, with arpeggiated chords and delicate runs that support the vocal line without overpowering it. One of the most notable characteristics of "Wenn du nur zuweilen lächelst" is its use of chromaticism. Brahms employs chromatic harmonies throughout the piece, adding a sense of richness and complexity to the otherwise simple melody. This use of chromaticism is a hallmark of Brahms' style and can be found in many of his other works. Overall, "Wenn du nur zuweilen lächelst, Op. 57/2" is a beautiful and uplifting song that showcases Brahms' skill as a composer. Its gentle melody and delicate piano accompaniment make it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

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