Composer

:

Carl Maria von Weber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1818

Publication Date

:

1818

Average_duration

:

1:17

'Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär', J. 233, Op. 54/6 is a German folk song arranged for voice and piano by Carl Maria von Weber. The composition was completed in 1818 and premiered in the same year. The song is part of a collection of six songs titled 'Sechs Lieder von verschiedenen Verfassern' (Six Songs by Various Authors). The song is in the key of G major and has a simple, strophic structure. It consists of three verses, each followed by a refrain. The melody is light and playful, with a lilting rhythm that imitates the flight of a bird. The piano accompaniment is also light and delicate, with arpeggiated chords and trills that evoke the sound of birdsong. The lyrics of the song describe the joys of being a bird and flying freely in the sky. The first verse begins with the line "Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär, und auch zwei Flügel hätt" (If I were a little bird, and had two wings as well), and goes on to describe the bird's ability to fly high and see the world from above. The refrain of the song repeats the line "Fliegen, fliegen, weit, weit, weit" (Fly, fly, far, far, far), emphasizing the bird's freedom and mobility. The second verse of the song describes the bird's ability to sing and make beautiful music. The lyrics state "Ich würde singen schön, schön, schön, und auch nicht traurig sein" (I would sing beautifully, beautifully, beautifully, and also not be sad). The refrain of the second verse repeats the line "Singen, singen, schön, schön, schön" (Sing, sing, beautifully, beautifully, beautifully), emphasizing the bird's musical talent. The third and final verse of the song describes the bird's ability to build a nest and raise a family. The lyrics state "Ich würde bauen fein, fein, fein, ein Nestchen mir aus Reis" (I would build a fine, fine, fine little nest for myself out of twigs), and go on to describe the bird's happiness in raising its young. The refrain of the third verse repeats the line "Bauen, bauen, fein, fein, fein" (Build, build, fine, fine, fine), emphasizing the bird's domesticity and nurturing nature. Overall, 'Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär', J. 233, Op. 54/6 is a charming and whimsical song that celebrates the joys of nature and the freedom of flight. Its simple melody and playful lyrics have made it a popular folk song in Germany and beyond.

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