Schönster Abendstern

Schönster Abendstern
ei wie seh ich dich so gern
wenn ich dich von ferne seh
denkt mein Herz du seist bei mir
Schönste weine nicht
ich bin verliebt in dich

Schönste Tulipan
deine Schönheit lacht mich an
´s ist kein Schönere auf der Welt
die mei´m Herzen besser gefällt

Schönstes Röslein rot
will dich lieben bis in Tod
will dich lieben aus Herzens Grund
will dich lieben Tag und Stund

Schönstes Röslein rot
könnt ich doch gleich bei dir sein
du bist mein und ich bin dein
keines andern lieber sein

Isn't that a beautiful song? It comes from southern Germany, the lyrics were written around 1809, the melody was composed by an anonymous composer around 1820.
I composed the movement for 3 voices in 1997 and have now added a tenor voice in the last few days. Also in the last few days, a trio and an extended fugue for 4 voices were added, which ends in a powerful coda in the radiant B major, to then end the piece with the simple song movement - in a minor key.

The last minor chord reflects the sadness we are currently experiencing, as well as the fear of what is yet to come - and this time the saying proves true, it was never as serious as it is now - and that is anything but a phrase.

May the music of the queen of all instruments give us the comfort we need!