Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1874

Average_duration

:

3:29

'Vergangen ist mir Glück und Heil, Op. 62/7' is a song composed by Johannes Brahms in 1874. It is part of his collection of songs titled 'Sieben Lieder, Op. 62'. The song is set to a poem by August von Platen-Hallermünde, which speaks of the loss of happiness and good fortune. The song premiered on January 20, 1875, in Vienna, with the baritone singer Julius Stockhausen and Brahms himself on the piano. The piece is in the key of E-flat major and has a moderate tempo. It is a solo vocal piece with piano accompaniment and has a duration of approximately four minutes. The song is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first section is marked 'Andante con moto' and is characterized by a melancholic and introspective mood. The piano accompaniment is sparse, with simple chords that support the vocal line. The second section is marked 'Poco più animato' and is more agitated and passionate. The vocal line becomes more complex, with melodic leaps and runs that express the intensity of the emotions. The piano accompaniment also becomes more elaborate, with arpeggios and chromatic harmonies that create tension and drama. The third section is a return to the opening mood, marked 'Andante'. The vocal line is simplified, and the piano accompaniment becomes more subdued, with gentle arpeggios that fade away into silence. The song is a prime example of Brahms' mastery of the art song genre. He skillfully captures the emotional nuances of the text and creates a musical setting that enhances its meaning. The use of contrasting sections and the development of the vocal line and piano accompaniment create a sense of narrative and drama that draws the listener into the story. The song is a testament to Brahms' ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

More....