Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1858 - 1859

Average_duration

:

4:05

"An eine Äolsharfe, Op. 19/5" is a song composed by Johannes Brahms in 1861. It was premiered in Vienna on January 27, 1862, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone Julius Stockhausen as the singer. The song is part of Brahms' collection of five songs, Op. 19, which were all composed in the same year. The song is set to a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which describes the sound of an Aeolian harp, a musical instrument that produces sound by the wind blowing through its strings. The poem is a meditation on the power of nature and the beauty of music, and Brahms' setting captures the mood of the text perfectly. The song is in the key of E-flat major and is marked "Andante con moto" (moderately slow). It is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is gentle and flowing, with the piano playing a simple accompaniment while the voice sings the first stanza of the poem. The second section is more dramatic, with the piano playing a series of arpeggios that evoke the sound of the Aeolian harp. The voice sings the second stanza of the poem, which describes the effect of the harp on the poet's soul. The final section returns to the gentle mood of the opening, with the voice singing the final stanza of the poem and the piano providing a delicate accompaniment. Brahms' setting of the poem is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. The piano accompaniment is understated, allowing the voice to take center stage, while the vocal melody is lyrical and expressive. The use of the Aeolian harp motif in the second section adds a touch of drama to the song, but overall it is a quiet and introspective piece. "An eine Äolsharfe, Op. 19/5" is a beautiful example of Brahms' artistry as a composer of lieder. It is a testament to his ability to capture the mood and meaning of a poem in music, and to create a work of great beauty and emotional depth.

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