Composer

:

Charles Tomlinson Griffes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1903 - 1911

Publication Date

:

1986

First Performance

:

Apr 1, 1982

Average_duration

:

3:40

Des Müden Abendlied, A. 19 is a song composed by Charles Tomlinson Griffes in 1913. It was premiered in New York City on March 10, 1914, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone singer, Louis Drouet. The song is part of a collection of six songs, collectively known as "Six Poems of Friedrich Rückert," which Griffes composed between 1912 and 1913. Des Müden Abendlied, which translates to "The Weary Evening Song," is the fifth song in the collection. The poem, written by Friedrich Rückert, is a melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. Griffes' setting of the poem captures the mood of the text with its somber and introspective character. The song is in the key of F-sharp minor and is marked "Andante con moto" (slowly, with motion). It is in a modified strophic form, with the first and third verses set to the same music, and the second verse featuring a contrasting melody. The piano accompaniment is sparse and atmospheric, with arpeggiated chords and delicate figurations that support the vocal line. Griffes' setting of the text is notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and unease. The vocal line is often angular and fragmented, with wide leaps and unexpected intervals that reflect the emotional turmoil of the text. The song ends with a hauntingly beautiful piano coda that fades into silence, leaving the listener with a sense of quiet resignation. Overall, Des Müden Abendlied, A. 19 is a masterful example of Griffes' unique style, which blends elements of impressionism, expressionism, and modernism. It is a haunting and evocative work that captures the essence of Rückert's poem and stands as a testament to Griffes' skill as a composer.

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