Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

ca. 1849 - 1859

Publication Date

:

1859

Average_duration

:

0:48

"Nimm einen Strahl der Sonne" (Take a Ray of Sun) is a song composed by Franz Liszt in 1862. It was premiered in Weimar on August 28, 1862, with Liszt himself at the piano and the tenor Julius Stockhausen as the vocalist. The song is part of a collection of six songs titled "Lieder aus Schillers Wilhelm Tell" (Songs from Schiller's William Tell), which were composed by Liszt between 1857 and 1862. The song is in the key of F major and has a moderate tempo. It consists of three sections: an introduction, a main section, and a coda. The introduction is a short piano prelude that sets the mood for the song. The main section is divided into two parts: the first part is sung by the tenor, and the second part is a piano interlude. The coda is a short section that brings the song to a close. The lyrics of the song are taken from Friedrich Schiller's play "William Tell." The song tells the story of a young girl who is in love with a man who is fighting for the freedom of his country. She asks him to take a ray of sun from the sky and use it as a symbol of their love. The man tells her that he cannot take a ray of sun from the sky, but he will take a ray of hope from her heart and use it as a symbol of their love. The song is characterized by its lyrical melody and expressive piano accompaniment. The melody is simple and memorable, with a soaring vocal line that is supported by a rich harmonic texture. The piano accompaniment is virtuosic and expressive, with a wide range of dynamics and textures that reflect the emotional content of the lyrics. Overall, "Nimm einen Strahl der Sonne" is a beautiful and expressive song that showcases Liszt's skill as a composer and pianist. Its memorable melody and expressive piano accompaniment make it a favorite among singers and pianists alike.

More....