Composer

:

Edvard Grieg

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1884 - 1888

Publication Date

:

1889

Average_duration

:

3:26

Edvard Grieg's "The Nightingale's Secret, Op.48/4" is a song composed in 1886. It premiered on February 22, 1887, in Copenhagen, Denmark, with the Danish soprano Helene Riese as the soloist. The song is part of a set of six songs called "Six Poems by Henrik Ibsen," which Grieg composed based on the poems of the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. "The Nightingale's Secret" is the fourth song in the set and is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The song is in the key of E-flat major and has a moderate tempo. It is a lyrical and expressive piece that showcases Grieg's skill in setting text to music. The song is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first movement is marked "Allegro con moto" and is characterized by a lively and playful melody that imitates the sound of a nightingale. The second movement is marked "Andante espressivo" and is more introspective and melancholic in nature. The third movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and returns to the lively and playful melody of the first movement. The text of the song tells the story of a nightingale who reveals a secret to the poet. The secret is never revealed in the text, but the poet is deeply moved by it and promises to keep it safe. The song is a reflection on the power of secrets and the importance of trust and confidentiality. Overall, "The Nightingale's Secret" is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that showcases Grieg's skill as a composer. It is a testament to his ability to capture the essence of a text and translate it into music that is both expressive and meaningful.

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