Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Oct 29, 1888

Average_duration

:

2:46

Hugo Wolf's 'Harfenspieler II (Goethe Lieder)' is a song cycle composed in 1888. It premiered in Vienna in the same year. The cycle consists of three movements, each of which is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The first movement, 'Wer sich der Einsamkeit ergibt' (Whoever gives himself up to solitude), is a melancholic piece that features a slow, mournful melody. The second movement, 'Anakreons Grab' (Anacreon's Grave), is a more upbeat piece that features a lively, dance-like melody. The final movement, 'Der Sänger' (The Singer), is a dramatic piece that features a powerful, soaring melody. One of the characteristics of 'Harfenspieler II' is its use of the harp as an accompaniment. The harp is used to create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere that complements the melancholic and romantic themes of the poems. Another characteristic of the cycle is its use of chromaticism, which creates a sense of tension and unease. Overall, 'Harfenspieler II (Goethe Lieder)' is a beautiful and haunting song cycle that showcases Hugo Wolf's mastery of melody and harmony. Its themes of love, loss, and solitude are timeless and universal, making it a beloved work of art that continues to be performed and appreciated today.

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