Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1840

Average_duration

:

2:40

"Was soll ich sagen?" (What shall I say?) is a song composed by Robert Schumann, Op. 27/3. It was composed in 1840, during Schumann's "year of song," and was premiered in the same year. The song is part of Schumann's Liederkreis, a collection of songs set to poems by Joseph von Eichendorff. The song is in A-flat major and has a slow tempo. It is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is marked "innig" (intimate) and is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody. The second section is marked "etwas langsamer" (somewhat slower) and is more introspective, with a more complex harmonic structure. The final section is marked "sehr lebhaft" (very lively) and is more energetic and joyful, with a faster tempo and a more upbeat melody. The lyrics of "Was soll ich sagen?" are a reflection on the beauty of nature and the power of music to evoke emotions and memories. The poem begins with the speaker asking what he should say about the beauty of the world around him, and ends with a celebration of the power of music to transport the listener to another world. Overall, "Was soll ich sagen?" is a beautiful and introspective song that showcases Schumann's skill as a composer of lieder. Its three distinct sections and complex harmonic structure make it a challenging piece for performers, but its beauty and emotional depth make it a beloved piece of the classical repertoire.

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