Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1796

Average_duration

:

2:55

Abschiedsgesang an Wiens Bürger, WoO 121, is a choral work composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1814. The piece was written as a farewell song to the citizens of Vienna, as Beethoven was planning to leave the city for a period of time. The premiere of the work took place on March 24, 1814, at the Redoutensaal in Vienna. The piece is divided into three movements, with a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is in the key of C major. It begins with a solo voice singing the text "Lebt wohl, ihr Freunde, lebt wohl, ihr treuen Bürger" (Farewell, my friends, farewell, my loyal citizens). The choir then enters, singing a homophonic melody that is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. The movement ends with a coda that features a solo voice singing the text "Lebt wohl, lebt wohl" (Farewell, farewell). The second movement is marked "Allegretto" and is in the key of A minor. It begins with a solo voice singing the text "O Hoffnung, welche mir den Tag erhellt" (Oh hope, which brightens my day). The choir then enters, singing a more complex melody that is characterized by its chromaticism and use of dissonance. The movement ends with a coda that features a solo voice singing the text "O Hoffnung, Hoffnung" (Oh hope, hope). The third movement is marked "Allegro" and is in the key of C major. It begins with a solo voice singing the text "Lebt wohl, ihr Freunde, lebt wohl, ihr treuen Bürger" (Farewell, my friends, farewell, my loyal citizens), which is a repetition of the text from the first movement. The choir then enters, singing a melody that is characterized by its energy and rhythmic drive. The movement ends with a coda that features a solo voice singing the text "Lebt wohl, lebt wohl" (Farewell, farewell), which is a repetition of the text from the first movement. Overall, Abschiedsgesang an Wiens Bürger, WoO 121, is a relatively simple and straightforward choral work that is characterized by its clear melodies and use of repetition. The piece is notable for its use of solo voices, which provide a contrast to the choir and add a sense of intimacy to the work. Despite its simplicity, the piece is a powerful expression of Beethoven's love for the city of Vienna and his gratitude to its citizens.

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