Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1891

Average_duration

:

2:53

"O wärst du mein" is a song composed by Richard Strauss in 1895, with lyrics by Adolf Friedrich von Schack. It is the second of six songs in his Opus 26, which is a collection of songs for voice and piano. The song premiered in 1895 in Munich, Germany. The song is in the key of F major and has a moderate tempo. It is a romantic song that expresses the longing of the speaker for their beloved. The song is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections having a similar melody and the middle section having a contrasting melody. The first section begins with a gentle piano introduction, followed by the voice entering with the first line of the poem. The melody is simple and flowing, with a sense of yearning and tenderness. The lyrics express the speaker's desire for their beloved to be with them, and the music reflects this sentiment. The middle section of the song is more dramatic and intense, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody. The lyrics express the speaker's frustration and despair at being separated from their beloved. The music reflects this emotion, with the piano playing a more forceful accompaniment and the voice rising to a higher register. The final section of the song returns to the gentle melody of the first section, with the piano playing a delicate arpeggio accompaniment. The lyrics express the speaker's hope that their beloved will return to them, and the music reflects this sentiment with a sense of resolution and peace. Overall, "O wärst du mein" is a beautiful and emotional song that showcases Strauss's skill as a composer of romantic music. The melody and lyrics work together to create a sense of longing, frustration, and hope, making it a powerful expression of love and desire.

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