Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1886

Average_duration

:

2:14

Der König bei der Krönung is a song composed by Hugo Wolf in 1888. It premiered in Vienna on January 27, 1889, with the baritone singer Anton Sistermanns and the composer himself at the piano. The song is part of Wolf's Mörike-Lieder, a collection of 53 songs based on poems by Eduard Mörike. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Sehr feierlich" (very solemn) and begins with a grand introduction in the piano. The singer enters with a declamatory recitative, describing the scene of a king being crowned. The music is majestic and ceremonial, with a sense of awe and reverence. The second movement is marked "Sehr langsam und ausdrucksvoll" (very slow and expressive) and is more introspective. The singer reflects on the transience of power and the inevitability of death. The music is melancholic and contemplative, with a sense of resignation. The third movement is marked "Lebhaft" (lively) and is a contrast to the previous two movements. The singer imagines the king's future conquests and glory, and the music is triumphant and energetic, with a sense of optimism and vitality. The song is a masterful example of Wolf's ability to capture the mood and meaning of a poem through music. The grandeur and solemnity of the first movement, the introspection and melancholy of the second, and the exuberance and optimism of the third all reflect the different aspects of the poem. The piano accompaniment is also noteworthy, with its rich harmonies and virtuosic passages adding to the overall effect. In conclusion, Der König bei der Krönung is a significant work in Hugo Wolf's Mörike-Lieder, showcasing his skill in setting poetry to music. Its premiere in 1889 was a success, and it remains a popular and frequently performed song today.

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