One of two Eichendorff settings published in 1835 (the other being Das Waldschloss), this memorable little song plays on the mild tension set up by placing an apparently carefree staccato piano accompaniment in the unexpected context of the minor mode. This becomes particularly apparent when Mendelssohn recalls the opening two lines at the end, celebrating the glorious sunshine in the decidedly un-radiant key of A minor.
from notes by Julian Haylock © 1998
;)
