Composer

:

Heinrich Werner

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:39

"Heidenröslein" is a German art song composed by Heinrich Werner in 1820. The song is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a young man who picks a wild rose in the heath, only to be pricked by its thorns. The rose then taunts him, saying that it is not to blame for his pain, but rather his own desire for it. The song premiered in 1821 and quickly became popular, with many other composers creating their own arrangements of the piece. It is typically performed as a solo vocal piece with piano accompaniment. 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 repeating pattern of arpeggios and chords. The vocal melody is characterized by its lilting, folk-like quality, which reflects the rustic setting of the poem. One of the most notable features of the song is its use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text. For example, the rising and falling melody of the phrase "Sah ein Knab' ein Röslein stehn" (A boy saw a little rose standing) mimics the motion of the boy looking up and down at the rose. Overall, "Heidenröslein" is a charming and accessible piece of music that has remained popular for nearly two centuries. Its simple melody and evocative text continue to captivate audiences and inspire new interpretations.

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