Composer

:

Carl Loewe

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Carl Loewe's 'Ballads (2), Op. 121' is a collection of two ballads for voice and piano, composed in 1855. The premiere of the work is not known, but it was published in Berlin by Bote & Bock in the same year. The two ballads are titled 'Edward' and 'The Erl-King's Daughter'. The first ballad, 'Edward', is based on a Scottish ballad of the same name. It tells the story of a young man named Edward who kills his lover, Ellen, in a fit of jealousy. The ballad is set in a minor key and has a haunting melody that captures the tragic nature of the story. The piano accompaniment is sparse and adds to the eerie atmosphere of the piece. The vocal line is expressive and requires a singer who can convey the emotions of the character. The second ballad, 'The Erl-King's Daughter', is based on a German folk tale. It tells the story of a young man who falls in love with the daughter of the Erl-King, a supernatural being. The ballad is set in a major key and has a more upbeat melody than 'Edward'. The piano accompaniment is more complex and adds to the magical atmosphere of the piece. The vocal line is more virtuosic and requires a singer who can handle the technical demands of the piece. Overall, 'Ballads (2), Op. 121' is a fine example of Loewe's skill as a composer of ballads. The two pieces are very different in character but both showcase Loewe's ability to capture the essence of a story through music. The collection is a must-have for singers and pianists who enjoy performing ballads.

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