Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1810

Average_duration

:

1:27

Ludwig van Beethoven composed "Since Greybeards Inform Us" (WoO 153/4) in 1815. It is a song for voice and piano, with lyrics by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The song was premiered in Vienna in 1816. The song is in three movements, with a total duration of approximately six minutes. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is in the key of G major. The second movement is marked "Allegro vivace" and is in the key of E minor. The final movement is marked "Andante" and is in the key of G major. The song is characterized by its simple and elegant melody, which is accompanied by a delicate piano accompaniment. The first movement features a flowing melody that is reminiscent of a gentle stream, while the second movement is more lively and energetic, with a playful melody that dances around the piano accompaniment. The final movement is more contemplative, with a slower tempo and a more introspective melody. The lyrics of the song are taken from Goethe's "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship" and describe the passing of time and the inevitability of aging. The song is a reflection on the wisdom that comes with age and the importance of cherishing the moments we have in life. Overall, "Since Greybeards Inform Us" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Beethoven's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his music.

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