Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Jul 1810

Average_duration

:

2:45

"The Fair Maid of Mona" is a composition by Ludwig van Beethoven, catalogued as WoO 155/6. It was composed in 1809 and premiered in Vienna in the same year. The piece consists of three movements and is scored for voice and piano. The first movement, marked "Allegro con brio," is a lively and energetic setting of the poem "The Fair Maid of Mona" by Thomas Moore. The piano accompaniment is virtuosic and provides a driving rhythm for the vocal line. The melody is characterized by wide leaps and a sense of urgency, reflecting the dramatic nature of the text. The second movement, marked "Andante con moto," is a more introspective setting of the poem "The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls" by the same author. The piano accompaniment is more subdued, with gentle arpeggios and a flowing melody that supports the melancholy mood of the text. The vocal line is characterized by long, sustained notes and expressive phrasing. The final movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and playful setting of the traditional Irish tune "The Last Rose of Summer." The piano accompaniment is light and delicate, with a sparkling melody that dances around the vocal line. The vocal line is characterized by nimble runs and trills, reflecting the playful nature of the text. Overall, "The Fair Maid of Mona" is a charming and engaging work that showcases Beethoven's skill as a composer of vocal music. The three movements are varied in mood and character, but all are united by a sense of lyricism and expressiveness that is characteristic of Beethoven's style.

More....