Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Jan 25, 1889

Average_duration

:

1:55

Hugo Wolf's 'Wenn ich dein gedenke' 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 movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique musical and emotional qualities. The first movement, 'Gleich und Gleich,' is a lively and playful song that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, 'Nimmersatte Liebe,' is a more introspective and melancholic piece, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that captures the longing and despair of unrequited love. The third movement, 'Anakreons Grab,' is a somber and mournful song that reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The fourth movement, 'Ganymed,' is a passionate and exuberant piece that celebrates the joy and ecstasy of love. The fifth movement, 'Philine,' is a tender and delicate song that expresses the bittersweet emotions of a lover who is torn between the desire for intimacy and the fear of rejection. The final movement, 'Selbstgeständnis,' is a deeply introspective and introspective piece that explores the complex and conflicting emotions of the human heart. Throughout the cycle, Wolf's music is characterized by its sensitivity to the nuances of Goethe's poetry, as well as its ability to capture the emotional depth and complexity of the human experience. The composer's use of chromatic harmonies, unexpected modulations, and subtle shifts in tempo and dynamics creates a rich and expressive musical landscape that perfectly complements the text. Overall, 'Wenn ich dein gedenke' is a masterful example of the art song genre, and a testament to the enduring power of Goethe's poetry and Wolf's musical genius.

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