Mondnacht (Brahms)

Mondnacht

Music: Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Words: Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788-1857)

Mondnacht is kind of amazing. As the song begins, Schubertian influences appear clearly in the piano figuration which doubles the melody, and the strophic form of the first two verses. BUT, in the last verse, the change comes. The change is reflected in these words - “And my soul spread its wings out wide, it flew over the still lands, like it were flying home.” Word painting occurs as Brahms continues the melody of the first two verses in the piano while the vocal line changes drastically, now composed of longer tones that float above the steady piano figuration. Interesting harmonic colors are employed, heightening the lofty imagery of the lyric. The climax comes toward the end when the vocalist must sustain “Haus” (home) for 3 complete measures. Brahms then closes with a final descending chromatic line, and our “flying soul” completes its homeward journey.

Brahms was born in Hamburg, Germany. He spent much of his professional life in Vienna, Austria. He was a vital part of music history and sits beside Bach and Beethoven as one of the three B’s. His style of composition was both traditional and innovative. While continuing to use compositional structures of earlier Baroque and Classical composers, his developments in harmony and melody re-cast these forms firmly within the Romantic era. Brahms composed approximately 380 songs, including nearly 100 arrangements of folk and children’s songs; as well as many other works including piano pieces, symphonies, concertos, and chamber works.

Youtube Video Search Results

Key of Ab Major

Sample MP3, Piano & Melody