Composer

:

Sergey Rachmaninov

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1896

Average_duration

:

2:16

"These Summer Nights, Op. 14/5" is a song composed by Sergey Rachmaninov in 1896. It was premiered in Moscow in the same year. The song is part of a set of six songs, Op. 14, which were composed during Rachmaninov's early years as a composer. The song is written for voice and piano and has a duration of approximately three minutes. It is in the key of F-sharp minor and is marked "Andante cantabile" (moderately slow and singing). The song is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section begins with a melancholic piano introduction, which sets the mood for the song. The voice enters with a lyrical melody that is full of longing and nostalgia. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, providing a gentle support for the voice. The second section is more animated and passionate. The piano accompaniment becomes more complex, with rapid arpeggios and cascading runs. The voice rises to a climax, expressing the intensity of the emotions that the singer is feeling. The final section returns to the mood of the opening, with a gentle and wistful melody. The piano accompaniment is once again sparse, providing a delicate and understated support for the voice. The song ends with a quiet and introspective coda, bringing the piece to a peaceful and contemplative close. Overall, "These Summer Nights, Op. 14/5" is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the mood of a summer evening. The melody is lyrical and expressive, and the piano accompaniment is delicate and sensitive. The song is a testament to Rachmaninov's skill as a composer, and it remains a beloved piece in the repertoire of art songs.

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