Composer

:

Carl Loewe

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Carl Loewe's 'Ballads (3), Op. 68' is a collection of three songs composed for voice and piano. The collection was composed in 1842 and premiered in the same year. The three movements of the collection are titled 'Edward', 'Die wandelnde Glocke' (The Walking Bell), and 'Der Feind' (The Enemy). The first movement, 'Edward', is based on a Scottish ballad and tells the story of a young man who kills his father in a fit of rage. The music is dark and brooding, with a sense of foreboding throughout. The piano accompaniment is sparse and haunting, adding to the overall mood of the piece. The second movement, 'Die wandelnde Glocke', is based on a German ballad and tells the story of a wandering bell that brings bad luck wherever it goes. The music is more upbeat than the first movement, with a lively piano accompaniment and a catchy melody. However, there is still a sense of unease in the music, reflecting the ominous presence of the bell. The final movement, 'Der Feind', is based on a German ballad and tells the story of a soldier who returns home from war to find that his wife has been unfaithful. The music is intense and dramatic, with a driving piano accompaniment and a powerful vocal line. The emotions of the soldier are conveyed through the music, with moments of anger, sadness, and despair. Overall, 'Ballads (3), Op. 68' is a powerful collection of songs that showcases Loewe's skill as a composer of ballads. The music is full of emotion and drama, with each movement telling a compelling story. The collection remains a popular choice for singers and pianists today.

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