Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1840

Average_duration

:

3:45

"Mondnacht, Op. 39/5" is a Lied composed by Robert Schumann in 1840. It is the fifth song in his song cycle "Liederkreis, Op. 39," which consists of twelve songs set to poems by Joseph von Eichendorff. The song was premiered in Leipzig on December 1, 1842, with the composer's wife, Clara Schumann, as the pianist. The song is in A-flat major and has a slow tempo. It is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The poem describes a night scene where the moon is shining and the speaker is lost in thought. The music reflects the dreamy and introspective mood of the poem. The piano accompaniment is simple and repetitive, with a gentle rocking motion that evokes the image of the moon. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases and subtle changes in dynamics and tempo. The song has two main sections, each with its own melody and mood. The first section begins with a descending piano arpeggio that sets the mood for the entire song. The vocal line enters with a long, sustained note that gradually builds in intensity. The melody is characterized by wide intervals and expressive leaps, which convey the sense of longing and yearning in the text. The second section begins with a change in key and mood. The piano accompaniment becomes more active, with a rising and falling pattern that suggests a sense of movement. The vocal line becomes more animated, with faster rhythms and more complex melodic patterns. The mood is more joyful and exuberant, as the speaker expresses his love for the moon and the beauty of the night. Overall, "Mondnacht, Op. 39/5" is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the mood and imagery of the poem. It is a testament to Schumann's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that perfectly complements the text. The song has become a beloved classic of the Lieder repertoire and is frequently performed and recorded by singers and pianists around the world.

More....