Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1840

Average_duration

:

1:26

'Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär, Op. 43/1' is a German art song composed by Robert Schumann in 1840. The song is part of a collection of 12 songs called 'Liederkreis, Op. 39', which Schumann composed based on poems by Joseph von Eichendorff. The song was premiered in Leipzig on December 1, 1840, with the composer himself at the piano. The song is in ABA form, with the A section being in the key of G major and the B section in the key of E minor. The piano accompaniment is light and playful, imitating the sound of a bird's chirping. The vocal melody is simple and lyrical, with a range of only a fifth. The text of the song describes the speaker's desire to be a bird so that he can fly away and be free. The first section of the song begins with the line "Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär" (If I were a little bird), which is repeated throughout the section. The melody is light and playful, with a rising and falling pattern that imitates the flight of a bird. The piano accompaniment is also light and playful, with trills and arpeggios that imitate the sound of a bird's chirping. The second section of the song begins with the line "Und überall, überall" (And everywhere, everywhere), which is repeated throughout the section. The melody is more melancholy and introspective, with a descending pattern that reflects the speaker's longing to be free. The piano accompaniment is also more subdued, with a simple chord progression that supports the vocal melody. The final section of the song returns to the A section, with the melody and piano accompaniment repeating the playful and light pattern of the first section. The song ends with the line "Doch ich bin weit, ach weit davon" (But I am far, oh far away), which reflects the speaker's realization that he cannot be a bird and must remain where he is. Overall, 'Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär, Op. 43/1' is a charming and whimsical art song that captures the playful spirit of a bird's flight. The simple melody and piano accompaniment make it accessible to singers of all levels, while the poetic text and musical nuances make it a favorite among audiences and performers alike.

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