Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1888 - 1891

Average_duration

:

3:10

Johannes Brahms composed "Sehnsucht, Op. 112/1" in 1891, and it premiered on January 20, 1892, in Vienna. The piece is part of a collection of five songs, collectively known as "Vier ernste Gesänge" (Four Serious Songs), which Brahms composed during the last years of his life. "Sehnsucht" is the first movement of the collection and is written for a low voice and piano. The text is taken from the Bible, specifically Ecclesiastes 3:19-22, and explores the theme of longing and the transience of life. The piece is marked "Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll" (slow and full of longing), and Brahms sets the text to a mournful melody that is characterized by its descending intervals and chromaticism. The piano accompaniment is sparse and provides a somber backdrop to the vocal line. Brahms uses dissonance and unexpected harmonies to create a sense of unease and longing. The piece is in A minor and features a modulation to C major towards the end, which provides a momentary sense of relief before returning to the melancholic A minor. Overall, "Sehnsucht" is a poignant and introspective piece that reflects Brahms' own contemplation of mortality and the human condition. It is a testament to his mastery of the art song genre and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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