Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1890

Average_duration

:

11:57

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Hugo Wolf's 'Alte Weisen' is a song cycle composed in 1888. The premiere of the cycle took place in Vienna in the same year. The cycle consists of six movements, each of which is a setting of a German folk song. The songs are 'Ach, wie sind die Zeiten so traurig', 'Das Ständchen', 'Er ist's', 'Das verlassene Mägdlein', 'Der Gärtner' and 'Der Musikant'. The characteristics of 'Alte Weisen' are typical of Wolf's style. The songs are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies and expressive use of text. Wolf was known for his ability to set text to music in a way that brought out the emotional content of the words. In 'Alte Weisen', he uses this skill to great effect, creating songs that are both beautiful and deeply moving. The first song in the cycle, 'Ach, wie sind die Zeiten so traurig', is a lament for the passing of happier times. The melody is simple and plaintive, with a sense of sadness that is echoed in the harmonies. The second song, 'Das Ständchen', is a serenade in which the singer declares his love for his beloved. The melody is more upbeat than the first song, with a sense of joy and anticipation. The third song, 'Er ist's', is a celebration of spring. The melody is light and airy, with a sense of freshness and renewal. The fourth song, 'Das verlassene Mägdlein', is a lament for a lost love. The melody is haunting and melancholy, with a sense of longing that is echoed in the harmonies. The fifth song, 'Der Gärtner', is a story of unrequited love. The melody is wistful and sad, with a sense of resignation that is echoed in the harmonies. The final song, 'Der Musikant', is a celebration of music. The melody is lively and energetic, with a sense of joy and exuberance. Overall, 'Alte Weisen' is a beautiful and moving song cycle that showcases Hugo Wolf's skill as a composer. The cycle is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies and expressive use of text, and is a testament to Wolf's ability to set text to music in a way that brings out the emotional content of the words.

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