Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1887 - 1890

Publication Date

:

1892

First Performance

:

Apr 29, 1892

Average_duration

:

2:14

"Aus! aus! in D flat major" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in 1901. It was premiered on January 20, 1902, in Vienna, with the composer himself conducting. The song is part of Mahler's collection of songs called "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" (The Youth's Magic Horn), which is based on a collection of German folk poems. The song is in the key of D flat major and has a moderate tempo. It is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is marked "Sehr langsam und gedehnt" (very slow and stretched out) and is characterized by a mournful melody played by the strings. The second section is marked "Etwas bewegter" (somewhat more animated) and features a more lively melody played by the woodwinds. The final section is marked "Sehr rasch und wild" (very fast and wild) and is characterized by a frenzied, almost chaotic melody played by the entire orchestra. The lyrics of the song are based on a poem from "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" and tell the story of a soldier who is wounded in battle and left to die on the battlefield. As he lies dying, he hears the sound of a hunting horn in the distance and cries out "Aus! aus!" (Out! Out!) in despair, realizing that he will never again be able to participate in the joys of life. Overall, "Aus! aus! in D flat major" is a powerful and emotional piece of music that showcases Mahler's skill as a composer. Its use of contrasting sections and shifting moods creates a sense of drama and tension that perfectly captures the tragic story of the soldier's death.

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