Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1800

Average_duration

:

3:26

'Bitten, Op. 48/1' is a song composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1804. It was premiered in Vienna in the same year. The song is part of a set of six songs, Op. 48, which were composed by Beethoven during his middle period. The song is in the key of A-flat major and has a slow tempo. It is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The lyrics are in German and were written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The song tells the story of a woman who has been bitten by a snake and is dying. She reflects on her life and the choices she has made, and asks for forgiveness for her sins. The song is divided into three sections or movements. The first section is slow and mournful, with the piano playing a simple accompaniment while the voice sings the opening lines of the poem. The second section is more agitated, with the piano playing a faster, more complex accompaniment while the voice sings about the woman's regrets and fears. The final section returns to the slow, mournful tempo of the opening, with the voice singing a final plea for forgiveness. One of the characteristics of 'Bitten, Op. 48/1' is its emotional intensity. Beethoven's music captures the woman's despair and regret, as well as her hope for redemption. The piano accompaniment is simple but effective, providing a backdrop for the voice to express the full range of emotions in the lyrics. The song is also notable for its use of chromaticism, with Beethoven using notes outside of the key signature to create a sense of tension and unease. Overall, 'Bitten, Op. 48/1' is a powerful and moving song that showcases Beethoven's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its emotional intensity and use of chromaticism make it a standout piece in Beethoven's oeuvre.

More....