Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Jan 23, 1889

Average_duration

:

2:00

Hugo Wolf's 'Wie sollt ich heiter bleiben' is a song cycle composed in 1888, based on poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The premiere of the cycle took place in Vienna in 1890, with the composer himself at the piano. The cycle consists of six songs, each with its own unique character and mood. The first song, 'Gesang Weylas', is a melancholic and introspective piece, with a slow and mournful melody. The second song, 'Anakreons Grab', is more upbeat and lively, with a playful and energetic melody. The third song, 'Der Rattenfänger', is a dark and eerie piece, with a haunting melody that captures the sinister nature of the poem. The fourth song, 'Prometheus', is a powerful and dramatic piece, with a soaring melody that captures the heroic spirit of the poem. The fifth song, 'Ganymed', is a tender and romantic piece, with a gentle and flowing melody that captures the beauty and longing of the poem. The final song, 'Wie sollt ich heiter bleiben', is a reflective and introspective piece, with a slow and contemplative melody that captures the melancholic mood of the poem. Overall, the cycle is characterized by its rich and expressive melodies, which capture the emotional depth and complexity of Goethe's poetry. Wolf's use of chromatic harmonies and unconventional tonal structures adds to the cycle's expressive power, creating a sense of tension and drama that heightens the emotional impact of the music. The cycle is a testament to Wolf's skill as a composer, and remains a beloved and enduring work in the classical repertoire.

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