Composer

:

Hanns Eisler

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Average_duration

:

12:00

Ernste Gesänge, also known as "Serious Songs," is a song cycle composed by Hanns Eisler in 1937. The cycle consists of six songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The premiere of the cycle took place in Vienna in 1938, with the composer himself at the piano. The first song, "An den kleinen Radioapparat" (To the Little Radio), is a satirical piece that criticizes the power of the media and its ability to manipulate public opinion. The second song, "Ballade von der Krüppelgarde" (Ballad of the Cripple's Guard), is a powerful anti-war statement that denounces the use of disabled soldiers as cannon fodder. The third song, "Über den Selbstmord" (On Suicide), is a haunting meditation on the act of suicide and the reasons why people might choose to take their own lives. The fourth song, "Epitaph für Ernst Toller" (Epitaph for Ernst Toller), is a tribute to the German playwright and political activist who committed suicide in 1939. The fifth song, "Lied von der belebenden Wirkung des Geldes" (Song of the Invigorating Effect of Money), is a biting critique of capitalism and the way in which money can corrupt individuals and society as a whole. The final song, "Die Ballade vom Wasserrad" (The Ballad of the Waterwheel), is a celebration of the power of nature and the way in which it can sustain and nourish life. Throughout the cycle, Eisler's music is characterized by its directness, simplicity, and emotional intensity. The songs are often accompanied by sparse piano accompaniment, which serves to highlight the power of the lyrics and the singer's voice. The cycle as a whole is a powerful statement on the political and social issues of the time, and it remains a testament to Eisler's skill as a composer and his commitment to using music as a means of social and political commentary.

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