Extended Analysis C

m. 33 – I64 V7
m. 34 – iii6 I64
m. 35 – I6 vi
m. 36 – ii64 I43
m. 37 – iv6 IV
m. 38 – viio7/V V
m. 39 – V I64
m. 40 – vi IV vii65
m. 41 – vi vi6 I7
m. 42 – vi7 ii43 Fr6
m. 43 – I64 I7
m. 44 – iv7 bVI
m. 45 – V/V
m. 46 – V7
m. 47 – V7
m. 48 – I7
m. 49 – I7
m. 50 – I7 vi6
m. 51 – iio42 I
In Brahms’ “Die Mainacht” the climax is in measure 41 on the F# on the word “tears”. This phrase occurs earlier in measure 29, in fact the chords underneath the voice is the same; however the piano part is altered. In measure 41 the piano part is accelerated a bit leading up to the high F# and then the downwards fall of the voice. I think that in this piece especially the performer needs to be aware of what is going on in the piano part. The chords in the bass are the only reliable way to keep the tempo, while the treble part in the piano is all over the place and it does not always fall on the same beat as the voice, which can easily throw off a beginner vocalist. In terms of the word “Morgenrot” in measure 35, the musical phrase is not complete when the vocalist stops. There is not a cadence and ends on a predominant vi chord, then continues onto a ii65 chord, which does not give the feeling of conclusiveness. This is a place where the vocalist needs to stay aware of the difference between the vocal line and the piano line. Again in measure 44 there is no cadence but there is a pause in the text line. I would lean in to the chord a little more to prepare for the bVI mixture chord. I love how the vocal line falls while saying the words “trembles, burning, down my cheek.” It paints a vivid picture of sadness and the face of the singer during that line. Then after this line concludes the piano line slows down and brings back the rhythmic pattern from the beginning of the piece. The piano line goes to the unexpected iio42 chord before resolving to a I chord at the end, following the patter of this piece. Over all this song is a very curious piece, with many accidentals and mixture chords and a few augmented sixth chords. However its like the lyrics fit just right, the song is about sadness, and the music behind it takes it to another level adding a bit of mystery to it.