Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

Jun 20, 1843

Publication Date

:

1851

Average_duration

:

1:46

"Der Glückliche" is a song composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1847. It was premiered in Leipzig on January 17, 1848, with the composer himself at the piano and the tenor Julius Stockhausen as the soloist. The song is part of a collection of six songs for voice and piano, Op. 88, which Mendelssohn composed in the last years of his life. "Der Glückliche" is a joyful and lively song, with a fast tempo and a playful melody. The text, written by the German poet Emanuel Geibel, tells the story of a happy man who enjoys life to the fullest, without worrying about the future or the past. The song is divided into three stanzas, each with a different melody and rhythm, but all of them united by the same joyful spirit. The first stanza starts with a fast and rhythmic piano introduction, followed by the tenor's entrance with the words "Ich bin glücklich, ich bin froh". The melody is light and cheerful, with a syncopated rhythm that gives it a playful character. The piano accompaniment is also lively and virtuosic, with fast arpeggios and runs that add to the joyful atmosphere. The second stanza is slower and more lyrical, with a more introspective melody and a more subdued piano accompaniment. The text describes the happy man's love for nature and his appreciation of its beauty. The melody is simple and expressive, with long phrases and a gentle rhythm that convey a sense of peace and contentment. The third stanza returns to the fast and lively character of the first, with a new melody that builds on the previous ones. The text describes the happy man's carefree attitude towards life, and his belief that everything will turn out well in the end. The melody is energetic and optimistic, with a triumphant character that reflects the song's overall message of joy and happiness. "Der Glückliche" is a typical example of Mendelssohn's style, with its clear and elegant melodies, virtuosic piano accompaniment, and expressive use of harmony and rhythm. The song is also a testament to Mendelssohn's love of poetry, as he chose the text carefully to match the music and convey its message effectively. Overall, "Der Glückliche" is a charming and uplifting song that captures the essence of Mendelssohn's musical and poetic genius.

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