Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1889

Average_duration

:

1:56

Johannes Brahms composed "Ach, arme Welt, du trügest mich, Op. 110/2" in 1891, and it premiered on November 12, 1892, in Vienna. The piece is part of Brahms' Four Serious Songs, which were composed during the last years of his life and are considered some of his most profound and introspective works. The song is written for a low voice and piano, and it is divided into three distinct sections. The first section is marked "Andante," and it begins with a mournful piano introduction that sets the somber tone of the piece. The singer enters with a declamatory melody that expresses the disillusionment and despair of the text. The lyrics, taken from the book of Ecclesiastes, lament the futility of human existence and the inevitability of death. The second section of the song is marked "Poco più andante," and it features a more lyrical melody that expresses a sense of resignation and acceptance. The singer reflects on the transience of life and the fleeting nature of human happiness. The piano accompaniment is more active in this section, with arpeggiated chords and flowing lines that suggest the passing of time. The final section of the song is marked "Andante con moto," and it returns to the mournful mood of the opening. The singer repeats the opening melody, but with greater intensity and urgency. The piano accompaniment becomes more dissonant and agitated, reflecting the singer's growing despair. The song ends with a final, anguished cry of "Ach, arme Welt!" ("Oh, poor world!"). Overall, "Ach, arme Welt, du trügest mich" is a deeply introspective and melancholy work that reflects Brahms' own struggles with mortality and the meaning of life. The piece is characterized by its somber mood, expressive melodies, and rich harmonies, which combine to create a powerful and moving musical experience.

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