Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1849

Average_duration

:

4:13

Mignon, Op. 79/28 is a song composed by Robert Schumann in 1849. It is part of his song cycle entitled Lieder und Gesänge aus Wilhelm Meister, which is based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship. The song cycle consists of 20 songs, and Mignon is the 8th song in the cycle. The song premiered in Leipzig on December 5, 1849, with the famous soprano Wilhelmine Schröder-Devrient as the soloist. The song is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. Mignon is a melancholic and introspective song that reflects the character of Mignon, a young girl who is a central figure in Goethe's novel. The song is in A minor and has a slow tempo. It is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections being in A minor and the middle section in A major. The first section of the song begins with a piano introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The solo voice enters with the words "Kennst du das Land?" ("Do you know the land?"), which are repeated throughout the section. The melody is simple and repetitive, with the piano providing a gentle accompaniment. The middle section of the song is more upbeat and in a major key. The solo voice sings "Dahin, dahin" ("There, there"), and the piano provides a more lively accompaniment. This section provides a contrast to the melancholic mood of the first and third sections. The final section of the song returns to the melancholic mood of the beginning. The solo voice sings "Nur dort hin" ("Only there"), and the piano provides a gentle accompaniment. The song ends with a quiet and introspective piano coda. Overall, Mignon is a beautiful and haunting song that captures the essence of the character of Mignon. Schumann's use of simple melodies and gentle accompaniment creates a sense of introspection and melancholy that is characteristic of the Romantic era.

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