Composer

:

Alban Berg

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1904

Average_duration

:

2:28

"Es wandelt, was wir schauen" is a composition by Alban Berg, a prominent Austrian composer of the early 20th century. The piece was composed in 1923 and premiered in Vienna on March 23, 1924. It is a song cycle consisting of five movements, each of which is based on a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke. The first movement, "Das stille Grün," is a gentle and introspective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, "Die Aufgeregten," is more agitated and frenzied, with a sense of urgency and restlessness. The third movement, "Im Zimmer," is a haunting and melancholic piece that explores themes of loss and isolation. The fourth movement, "Traumgekrönt," is a dreamlike and ethereal piece that evokes a sense of otherworldliness. The final movement, "Wir fanden ein Haus," is a joyful and celebratory piece that brings the cycle to a close on a hopeful note. One of the most notable characteristics of "Es wandelt, was wir schauen" is its use of atonality, a compositional technique that eschews traditional tonal structures in favor of a more dissonant and unpredictable sound. Berg was a leading figure in the Second Viennese School, a group of composers who were known for their innovative use of atonality and other avant-garde techniques. Despite its challenging musical language, "Es wandelt, was wir schauen" is a deeply emotional and expressive work that showcases Berg's mastery of the art song form. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of Rilke's poetry, which Berg sets with sensitivity and nuance. Overall, "Es wandelt, was wir schauen" is a significant work in the canon of 20th-century art song and a testament to Berg's enduring legacy as a composer.

More....