Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1828

Average_duration

:

2:34

"Gesänges Erwachen" is a song composed by Robert Schumann in 1840. It is part of his collection of songs titled "Liederkreis, Op. 39" and is also known as "No. 5" or "Waldesgespräch" (Forest Dialogue). The song premiered in Leipzig on December 5, 1842, with the tenor Julius Stockhausen and Schumann himself at the piano. The song is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first movement is marked "Langsam" (slow) and begins with a hauntingly beautiful piano introduction that sets the mood for the entire piece. The tenor enters with the first verse, singing of a wanderer who is lost in the forest and hears the voice of a beautiful woman calling out to him. The music is melancholic and introspective, reflecting the wanderer's sense of isolation and longing. The second movement is marked "Lebhaft" (lively) and is a dialogue between the wanderer and the woman he has encountered in the forest. The music is more animated and playful, reflecting the flirtatious nature of their conversation. The woman tells the wanderer that she is a fairy and invites him to dance with her. The music becomes more frenzied as the dance progresses, building to a climax before abruptly ending. The final movement is marked "Langsam" (slow) and returns to the introspective mood of the first movement. The wanderer reflects on his encounter with the fairy and wonders if it was all just a dream. The music is wistful and nostalgic, with the piano providing a gentle accompaniment to the tenor's voice. Overall, "Gesänges Erwachen" is a beautiful and haunting song that showcases Schumann's skill as a composer. The music is full of contrasts, moving from melancholic to playful to introspective, and the piano and voice work together seamlessly to create a sense of unity and coherence. The song is a testament to Schumann's ability to capture the essence of human emotion in music and remains a beloved piece in the classical repertoire.

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