Composer

:

Carl Loewe

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

4:31

Carl Loewe's "Ballads (2), Op. 45/1, Harald" is a set of two songs composed in 1837. The premiere of the work is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been performed shortly after its composition. The two movements of the work are titled "Harald" and "The Erl-King's Daughter." The first movement, "Harald," is a ballad that tells the story of a Viking warrior who is haunted by the ghost of a woman he killed in battle. The music is characterized by a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency that reflects the warrior's inner turmoil. Loewe's use of chromaticism and dissonance adds to the unsettling atmosphere of the piece. The second movement, "The Erl-King's Daughter," is based on a German folk tale about a young man who is seduced by the daughter of the Erl-King, a supernatural being. The music is more lyrical and flowing than the first movement, with a haunting melody that captures the otherworldly nature of the story. Loewe's use of harmony and counterpoint adds depth and complexity to the piece. Overall, "Ballads (2), Op. 45/1, Harald" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Loewe's skill as a composer of ballads. The two movements are distinct in their musical and narrative styles, but both are united by a sense of drama and emotional intensity.

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