Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Dec 1883 - 1885

Publication Date

:

1897

First Performance

:

Mar 16, 1896

Average_duration

:

5:16

"Die zwei blauen Augen" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in 1899. It was premiered in Vienna on January 20, 1901, with the composer himself conducting. The song is part of Mahler's collection of songs called "Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen" (Songs of a Wayfarer), which he composed between 1884 and 1885. "Die zwei blauen Augen" is the second movement of the song cycle and is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The text is in German and was written by Mahler himself. The song tells the story of a young man who has lost his love and is wandering aimlessly through the countryside. He sees the blue eyes of his former lover in the sky and in the flowers, but they only serve to remind him of his loss. The song is characterized by Mahler's use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of unease and melancholy. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, allowing the voice to take center stage. The vocal line is expressive and emotive, with long, sweeping phrases that convey the protagonist's sense of longing and despair. Overall, "Die zwei blauen Augen" is a poignant and deeply moving song that captures the essence of Mahler's style. It is a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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