Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Nov 14, 1889

Average_duration

:

2:28

Hugo Wolf's "Seltsam ist Juanas Weise (Spanisches Liederbuch)" is a song cycle composed between 1890 and 1896. It premiered in Vienna in 1896, with Wolf accompanying the singer, Ernestine Schumann-Heink. The cycle consists of 44 songs, divided into two volumes, and is based on Spanish poetry from the 16th and 17th centuries. The songs are characterized by their intense emotional expression, with Wolf's music capturing the passion and drama of the Spanish poetry. The cycle is divided into two volumes, with the first volume focusing on love and the second on religious themes. The first volume includes songs such as "In dem Schatten meiner Locken," which features a passionate and sensual melody, and "Klinge, klinge, mein Pandero," which has a lively and rhythmic character. The second volume includes songs such as "Herr, was trägt der Boden hier," which is a solemn and contemplative piece, and "Herr, was trägt der Boden hier," which is a powerful and dramatic song. Throughout the cycle, Wolf's music is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and unease. The songs also feature frequent changes in tempo and dynamics, which add to the emotional intensity of the music. Overall, "Seltsam ist Juanas Weise (Spanisches Liederbuch)" is a powerful and emotional song cycle that showcases Wolf's mastery of musical expression. Its intense emotional content and dramatic character make it a challenging and rewarding work for both performers and listeners.

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