Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Sep 26, 1888

Average_duration

:

1:55

Hugo Wolf's 'Der Freund (Eichendorff Lieder)' is a song cycle composed in 1888. The premiere of the cycle took place in Vienna in 1890. The cycle consists of six songs, each of which is based on a poem by Joseph von Eichendorff. The first song, 'Der Musikant', is a lively and playful piece that showcases Wolf's skill in setting text to music. The second song, 'Der Freund', is a more introspective piece that explores themes of friendship and loss. The third song, 'Im Frühling', is a joyful celebration of springtime, with a lilting melody and bright, optimistic harmonies. The fourth song, 'An die Geliebte', is a tender love song that features a soaring melody and lush, romantic harmonies. The fifth song, 'Der Soldat', is a haunting and melancholy piece that explores the experiences of a soldier returning home from war. The final song, 'Der Spielmann', is a lively and energetic piece that brings the cycle to a rousing conclusion. Throughout the cycle, Wolf demonstrates his mastery of the art of song composition, with each song featuring a unique and memorable melody, rich harmonies, and a deep understanding of the text. The cycle is a testament to Wolf's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of Eichendorff's poetry in music.

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