Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1887 - 1888

Average_duration

:

2:34

"Die Frauen sind oft fromm und still" (Women are often pious and quiet) is a lied composed by Richard Strauss, Op. 21/5. It was composed in 1888 and premiered on January 27, 1889, in Munich, Germany. The song is part of a collection of six songs, Op. 21, which were composed during Strauss's early years as a composer. The song is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. It is a slow and melancholic piece, with a simple and repetitive melody that is reminiscent of a lullaby. The piano accompaniment is also simple, with a gentle and soothing rhythm that complements the vocal line. The song is divided into three movements. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the singer lamenting the fact that women are often expected to be pious and quiet, even when they are suffering. The second movement is slightly faster and more hopeful, with the singer expressing the hope that women will one day be able to break free from these expectations and live their lives as they see fit. The final movement returns to the slow and mournful tone of the first movement, with the singer acknowledging that change may be slow in coming, but that it is still worth fighting for. One of the characteristics of this song is its use of chromaticism, which is the use of notes outside of the key signature. This creates a sense of tension and unease, which is appropriate for the melancholic tone of the song. Another characteristic is the use of word painting, which is the musical representation of the meaning of the words. For example, when the singer sings about the "heavy burden" that women carry, the piano accompaniment becomes heavier and more oppressive. Overall, "Die Frauen sind oft fromm und still" is a beautiful and poignant song that reflects Strauss's early style as a composer. It is a testament to the struggles that women have faced throughout history, and a call to action for a more just and equal society.

More....