Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1840

Average_duration

:

4:41

"Die alten bösen Lieder" (The old, evil songs) is a song from Robert Schumann's song cycle "Dichterliebe" (A Poet's Love), Op. 48. The song cycle was composed in 1840 and premiered on May 16, 1841, in Leipzig, Germany. "Die alten bösen Lieder" is the sixteenth and final song in the cycle. The song is in A minor and has a slow, mournful tempo. It is divided into three sections, each with a different character. The first section is marked "Sehr langsam" (very slow) and is sung in a recitative style. The second section is marked "Etwas bewegter" (somewhat more animated) and has a more melodic character. The final section is marked "Immer noch sehr langsam" (still very slow) and returns to the recitative style of the first section. The lyrics of the song are a reflection on lost love and the pain of memory. The narrator sings of the old, evil songs that remind him of his lost love and the pain that they bring. He longs to forget the past and move on, but the songs continue to haunt him. Musically, the song is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance. Schumann uses these techniques to create a sense of unease and tension, reflecting the narrator's emotional state. The song also features a number of musical motifs that are used throughout the song cycle, tying "Die alten bösen Lieder" to the larger work. Overall, "Die alten bösen Lieder" is a powerful and emotional conclusion to Schumann's "Dichterliebe" cycle. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

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