Composer

:

Carl Loewe

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:48

'Gesammelte Lieder, Op. 9, Vol. 1: No. 4, Geisterleben' is a song composed by Carl Loewe, a German composer of the Romantic era. The song was composed in 1824 and premiered in the same year. It is part of a collection of songs titled 'Gesammelte Lieder' (Collected Songs), Op. 9, which was published in 1825. 'Geisterleben' is a song that belongs to the Romantic tradition of the supernatural and the mysterious. The text of the song is a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which describes the experience of a person who is visited by spirits in the night. The music of the song captures the eerie and haunting atmosphere of the poem, with its use of chromatic harmonies, dissonant chords, and unexpected modulations. The song is structured in three sections, with a slow introduction that sets the mood of the piece, a fast and agitated middle section that depicts the arrival of the spirits, and a slow and peaceful coda that brings the song to a close. The vocal line is highly expressive, with wide leaps, sudden changes of dynamics, and a wide range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to wonder and awe. 'Geisterleben' is a prime example of Loewe's skill as a composer of Lieder, or art songs. Loewe was known for his ability to set poetry to music in a way that captured the essence of the text and brought it to life. His songs were highly popular in his time, and he was considered one of the leading composers of Lieder in Germany. Overall, 'Gesammelte Lieder, Op. 9, Vol. 1: No. 4, Geisterleben' is a haunting and evocative song that showcases Loewe's mastery of the Romantic style. Its combination of poetry and music creates a powerful and unforgettable experience for the listener, and it remains a beloved piece in the repertoire of Lieder singers and enthusiasts.

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