Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Nov 6, 1888

Average_duration

:

2:52

Hugo Wolf's "Der Rattenfänger (Goethe Lieder)" is a song cycle composed in 1888. The premiere of the work took place in Vienna in 1890. The cycle consists of six songs, each of which is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The first song, "Der Rattenfänger," is a lively and playful piece that captures the whimsical nature of the poem. The second song, "Der Spielmann," is a more introspective piece that explores the melancholy of the wandering musician. The third song, "Die Bekehrte," is a tender and romantic piece that tells the story of a woman who has found love and redemption. The fourth song, "Der Zauberlehrling," is perhaps the most famous of the cycle. It tells the story of a young apprentice who tries to use magic to do his chores, but ends up causing chaos and destruction. The music is frenzied and chaotic, perfectly capturing the spirit of the poem. The fifth song, "Gesang Weylas," is a haunting and ethereal piece that explores the themes of love and death. The final song, "Mein Liebster singt am Haus," is a joyful and celebratory piece that brings the cycle to a close. Overall, "Der Rattenfänger (Goethe Lieder)" is a masterful work that showcases Hugo Wolf's skill as a composer. The music perfectly captures the spirit of Goethe's poetry, and the cycle as a whole is a testament to the enduring power of both artists.

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