Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1958

Average_duration

:

11:08

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Benjamin Britten's 'Hölderlin Fragments (6), Op. 61' is a song cycle composed in 1958. The work was premiered on 14th October 1958 at the Wigmore Hall in London, with Peter Pears as the tenor and Britten himself at the piano. The cycle consists of six songs, each based on a poem by the German poet Friedrich Hölderlin. The first song, "Menschenbeifall", is a lively and rhythmic piece that captures the joy and excitement of a crowd cheering. The second song, "Der Main", is a more contemplative piece that reflects on the beauty of nature and the passing of time. The third song, "Hälfte des Lebens", is a melancholic reflection on the halfway point of life and the realization that time is running out. The fourth song, "Sokrates und Alcibiades", is a dramatic and intense piece that tells the story of the philosopher Sokrates and his relationship with the young Alcibiades. The fifth song, "Der Tod fürs Vaterland", is a patriotic piece that celebrates the sacrifice of soldiers who die for their country. The final song, "Brod und Wein", is a joyful and celebratory piece that celebrates the simple pleasures of life. Britten's setting of Hölderlin's poetry is characterized by his use of complex harmonies and rhythms, as well as his skillful use of vocal and piano textures. The songs are challenging for both the singer and the pianist, requiring a high level of technical skill and musical sensitivity. Overall, 'Hölderlin Fragments (6), Op. 61' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Britten's mastery of the art song genre. Its combination of complex musical structures and deeply emotional poetry make it a work of great beauty and depth.

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