Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1882

Average_duration

:

1:48

Johannes Brahms composed "Vergebliches Ständchen, Op. 84/4" in 1877. The piece is part of a collection of six songs, collectively known as "Sechs Quartette," which Brahms composed for vocal quartet and piano. The premiere of the collection took place in Vienna in 1878. "Vergebliches Ständchen" is the fourth song in the collection and is set to a poem by Felix Schumann, the son of Brahms's close friend and mentor, Robert Schumann. The poem tells the story of a man who serenades his lover outside her window, but she does not respond. The man continues to sing, hoping that she will hear him and come to the window, but she remains silent. The song ends with the man realizing that his serenade was in vain. The piece is in the key of E-flat major and is marked "Andante con moto" (slowly, with motion). The vocal parts are written for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and are accompanied by a piano. The piano part is relatively simple, providing a gentle accompaniment to the vocal lines. The first movement of the piece begins with a gentle piano introduction, which sets the mood for the song. The vocal parts enter one by one, with the tenor and bass singing the melody in unison. The soprano and alto then join in, creating a rich, four-part harmony. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a gentle, flowing rhythm. The second movement of the piece features a solo for the soprano voice. The melody is more complex than in the first movement, with a wider range and more intricate rhythms. The piano accompaniment is also more active, with arpeggios and runs that add to the sense of motion in the music. The third movement of the piece returns to the four-part harmony of the first movement. The melody is similar to that of the first movement, but with some variations and embellishments. The piano accompaniment is also more active, with a more prominent role in the music. Overall, "Vergebliches Ständchen" is a beautiful and poignant piece of music. Brahms's setting of Felix Schumann's poem captures the sense of longing and disappointment in the story, while also showcasing his skill as a composer of vocal music. The piece is a testament to Brahms's ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and technically impressive.

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