Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Canon

Compose Date

:

1826

Average_duration

:

0:29

Wir irren allesamt, WoO 198 is a vocal quartet composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1815. The piece was premiered in Vienna in the same year. The quartet consists of four voices - soprano, alto, tenor, and bass - and is set to a text by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Allegro con brio" and is in sonata form. The second movement is a slow and expressive "Adagio" in the key of C minor. The final movement is a lively "Allegro" in the key of C major. The piece is characterized by its complex harmonies and use of chromaticism. Beethoven employs a variety of techniques to create a sense of tension and release throughout the piece. The vocal parts are often highly virtuosic, requiring skilled singers to navigate the intricate melodies and harmonies. The text of the piece explores the theme of human fallibility and the struggle to find meaning in life. The opening lines, "We all err, each in his own way; but he who persists in error is a fool," set the tone for the rest of the piece. The quartet goes on to explore the idea that even the most intelligent and accomplished individuals can still make mistakes and struggle to find their place in the world. Overall, Wir irren allesamt, WoO 198 is a challenging and thought-provoking piece that showcases Beethoven's mastery of vocal composition. Its complex harmonies and virtuosic vocal parts make it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

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