Composer

:

Fanny Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

2:25

"Harfners Lied" is a song composed by Fanny Mendelssohn in 1842. It was premiered in Berlin on March 14, 1843, with Fanny's brother, Felix Mendelssohn, accompanying on the piano. The song is part of a collection of six songs titled "Gartenlieder" (Garden Songs) that Fanny composed between 1842 and 1846. "Harfners Lied" is a setting of a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a harpist who sings of his love for a woman who is unattainable. The song is in the key of E-flat major and is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. It is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections being in a slower tempo and the middle section being faster and more agitated. The song begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the piano, which sets the mood for the harpist's melancholic song. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases that convey the harpist's longing for his beloved. The middle section of the song is more dramatic, with a faster tempo and more intense vocal line. The piano accompaniment becomes more agitated, reflecting the harpist's frustration and despair. Throughout the song, Fanny's use of harmony is particularly effective in conveying the emotional content of the text. The harmonies are often chromatic and unexpected, adding to the sense of longing and unease in the music. Overall, "Harfners Lied" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Fanny Mendelssohn's skill as a composer. It is a testament to her talent that she was able to create such a powerful musical setting of Goethe's poem, and it remains a beloved piece in the repertoire of art songs.

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