Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

before 1792

Average_duration

:

2:05

"I Dream'd I Lay" is a choral work composed by Franz Joseph Haydn in 1794. It was premiered in the same year in Vienna, Austria. The piece is a setting of a poem by the English poet William Shenstone, and it is scored for four-part choir and piano accompaniment. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is in the key of G major. It begins with a gentle piano introduction, which is followed by the choir singing the first verse of the poem. The music is characterized by its flowing melody and simple harmonies, which create a peaceful and dreamlike atmosphere. The second movement is marked "Adagio" and is in the key of E minor. It begins with a piano introduction that sets a somber and melancholic tone. The choir enters with the second verse of the poem, which describes the dreamer's longing for a lost love. The music is characterized by its expressive harmonies and poignant melodies, which convey the sadness and longing of the text. The final movement is marked "Allegro" and is in the key of G major. It begins with a lively piano introduction, which is followed by the choir singing the final verse of the poem. The music is characterized by its energetic rhythms and joyful melodies, which convey the dreamer's sense of hope and renewal. Overall, "I Dream'd I Lay" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Haydn's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by its simple yet effective harmonies, expressive melodies, and sensitive treatment of the text. It is a testament to Haydn's ability to create music that is both technically impressive and emotionally moving.

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