Composer

:

Louise Reichardt

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

02:35

"Ich wollt' ein Sträußlein binden" is a German lied composed by Louise Reichardt in the early 19th century. The song was first published in 1815 as part of Reichardt's collection of songs titled "Lieder und Romanzen." The premiere of the song is not known, but it was likely performed in private salons and gatherings of the time. The song is composed in a simple strophic form, with each verse set to the same melody. The piano accompaniment is also relatively simple, with a gentle and flowing arpeggio pattern that supports the vocal line. The vocal melody is characterized by its lyrical and expressive qualities, with Reichardt's use of chromaticism and unexpected harmonic shifts adding to the emotional impact of the song. The text of "Ich wollt' ein Sträußlein binden" is a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a young woman who gathers flowers to make a bouquet for her lover. As she picks the flowers, she reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The song is notable for its bittersweet tone, which captures both the joy and sadness of love. The first verse of the song begins with the lines "Ich wollt' ein Sträußlein binden / Aus allerlei Blumen fein" ("I wanted to make a bouquet / From all kinds of fine flowers"). The melody is gentle and lilting, with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The second verse shifts to a more contemplative mood, with the lines "Doch als ich an's Grab gedacht / An den, den ich so lieb" ("But when I thought of the grave / Of the one I love so much"). The melody becomes more chromatic and dissonant, reflecting the speaker's sense of sadness and loss. The final verse of the song returns to the opening melody, but with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The lines "So hab' ich denn kein Sträußlein / Und pflückt' auch keins mehr auf" ("So I have no bouquet / And will not pick any more") convey a sense of finality and closure. The song ends with a gentle and peaceful cadence, leaving the listener with a sense of melancholy but also of beauty and grace. Overall, "Ich wollt' ein Sträußlein binden" is a beautiful and poignant example of the German lied tradition, showcasing Reichardt's skill as a composer and Goethe's mastery as a poet. Its emotional depth and expressive qualities continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a beloved and enduring work of art.

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