Look insideJohannes Brahms (1833–1897) 13 Canons Op. 113
Urtext [fem ch] Text: Joseph von Eichendorff, Hoffmann von Fallersleben, Johann W. von Goethe and Friedrich Rückert
For three, four and six female voices a cappella
12 pages | 19 x 27 cm | 56 g | ISMN: 979-0-004-41387-6 | Saddle Stitch
It is unknown when exactly Brahms wrote his 13 Kanons op. 113, a collection of 13 rounds for female voices. However, it is likely that the individual pieces were composed between 1859 and 1863 and for various occasions. In this period, Brahms did various counterpoint studies to which the rounds as one the strictest forms of counterpoint fit nicely. Another contributing factor around this time was Brahms’ work with the newly founded Hamburger Frauenchor [Hamburg Female Choir]. Some of the rounds can be found in the part books of this ensemble. The “innocent, small, amorous lines that should be sung lightly and joyfully by pretty girls” were not published until 1891. For the whole set, Brahms received the formidable salary of 6000 marks. As well as using lines by famous writers, Brahms drew lyrics from folk songs, too.
| 1. Goettlicher Morpheus | (Johann W. von Goethe) |
| 2. Grausam erweiset sich Amor am mir | (Johann W. von Goethe) |
| 3. Sitzt a schoens Voegerl aufm Dannabaum | (aus dem Österreichischen) |
| 4. Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf! | (aus dem Westfälischen) |
| 5. Wille, wille, will | (aus dem Westfälischen) |
| 6. So lange Schoenheit wird bestehn | (Hoffmann von Fallersleben) |
| 7. Wenn die Klaenge nahn und fliehen | (Joseph von Eichendorff) |
| 8. Ein Gems auf dem Stein | (Joseph von Eichendorff) |
| 9. Ans Auge des Liebsten | (Friedrich Rückert) |
| 10. Leise Toene der Brust | (Friedrich Rückert) |
| 11. Ich weiss nicht was im Hain die Taube girret | (Friedrich Rückert) |
| 12. Wenn Kummer haette zu toeten Macht | (Friedrich Rückert) |
| 13. Einfoermig ist der Liebe Gram | (Friedrich Rückert) |