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Spinning Song

Form and Structure

This composition is in composite or compound song form. Part I extends through measure 26 and consists of a Three-period Primary Song Form. After two introductory measures which set the drone bass suggestive of the hum of the spinning wheel, the principal theme in F major is stated in measures 3-10. The secondary theme, over a dominant pedal-point, occupies measures 11-18, and is followed by an exact repetition of the principal theme.

Part II includes measures 27-51. The little motive stated in measures 27-30 is "developed" through sequential and modulatory treatment. The keys touched upon are B-Flat Major, C Minor, G Minor, and A Major.

Part III is a repetition of Part I, with the final cadence extended to form a kind of codetta, and bring the piece to a definite close.

Interpretation

The incessant whir of the busy spinning wheel is suggested in Parts I and III by the staccato bass-notes; in Part II by the repeated double-notes in the right-hand part. Keep the hum of the wheel soft, so that it will make a background for the song.

The right hand has the song of the spinner, throughout, with the exception of measures 27-42 where the left hand takes its turn at the melody. Watch the phrasing; play the staccato thirds in measures 11-18 crisply; follow the dynamic indications carefully. The right-hand notes in measures 27-42 and the left-hand notes in measures 43-49 should be non-legato rather than staccato.

Spinning Song has been published many time in piano books and has also been arranged for various instrumental ensembles, clarinet choir and brass quartet). Spinning Song is evidently #4 of his Opus 14. Perhaps this will help someone else since the information presented here was very difficult to find. Maybe someone else will have more information to add since this is a stock piece in the piano repetoire for budding pianist and at our performing arts academy the students are required to produce programs notes for their recitals and this was very illusive for such a famous piece and thus the reason I became involved in the search. If you have more information about this composer please send it to <AcademyofOLOaol.com>.

In 1856, a three-act comic opera called "Der Schmied von Greina-Green" was performed in Hamburg, Germany. The producer of the opera was Albert Ellmenreich, an actor in the court theatre at Schwerin, and no doubt he was also the composer of the music. Other than this meagre scrap of information, practically nothing is known of the writer of the "Spinning Song", a piece which has remained a favorite with young pianists for more than three-quarters of a century.