Composer

:

Anton Webern

Compose Date

:

1913

First Performance

:

April 11, 1964

Average_duration

:

1:04

Anton Webern's "Schmerz immer, Blick nach oben" is a composition for voice and piano, composed in 1925. The piece was premiered in Vienna on January 24, 1926, with the composer's wife, Wilhelmine Mörtl, as the vocalist. The composition consists of three movements, each of which is characterized by Webern's use of atonality and his unique approach to text setting. The first movement, "Schmerz immer," is a setting of a poem by Georg Trakl. The text describes the pain and suffering of the human condition, and Webern's music reflects this with its dissonant harmonies and angular vocal lines. The second movement, "Blick nach oben," is a setting of a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke. The text speaks of the importance of looking upwards and seeking transcendence in the face of life's difficulties. Webern's music here is more lyrical and expressive, with a soaring vocal line that reflects the poem's themes. The final movement, "Nacht," is a setting of a poem by Stefan George. The text describes the beauty and mystery of the night, and Webern's music captures this with its shimmering piano accompaniment and ethereal vocal line. Overall, "Schmerz immer, Blick nach oben" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Webern's unique approach to composition. Through his use of atonality and his innovative text setting, he creates a deeply emotional and expressive work that speaks to the human experience.

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