Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Dec 19, 1889

Average_duration

:

3:31

Hugo Wolf's "Ach, wie lang die Seele schlummert! (Spanisches Liederbuch)" is a song cycle composed between 1890 and 1896. The premiere of the cycle took place in Vienna in 1897. The cycle consists of 44 songs, divided into two volumes, and is based on Spanish poetry translated into German by Emanuel Geibel and Paul Heyse. The first volume of the cycle contains 22 songs, while the second volume contains 22 songs as well. The songs are divided into three groups: "Mörike-Lieder," "Goethe-Lieder," and "Eichendorff-Lieder." The cycle is known for its emotional intensity and its exploration of themes such as love, longing, and death. The first group of songs, "Mörike-Lieder," is based on poems by Eduard Mörike. The songs in this group are characterized by their lyrical melodies and their use of chromatic harmonies. The second group of songs, "Goethe-Lieder," is based on poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The songs in this group are characterized by their dramatic intensity and their use of dissonant harmonies. The third group of songs, "Eichendorff-Lieder," is based on poems by Joseph von Eichendorff. The songs in this group are characterized by their dreamy, romantic melodies and their use of modulations. Throughout the cycle, Wolf's use of chromatic harmonies and his exploration of dissonance create a sense of emotional tension and unease. Overall, "Ach, wie lang die Seele schlummert! (Spanisches Liederbuch)" is a powerful and emotionally charged song cycle that showcases Wolf's mastery of melody and harmony. The cycle remains a beloved work in the art song repertoire and continues to be performed and recorded by singers and pianists around the world.

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