Composer

:

Fartein Valen

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

13:24

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Fartein Valen's 'Gedichte von Goethe (2), Op. 7' is a song cycle composed in 1918. The premiere of the work took place in Oslo, Norway, in 1920. The cycle consists of two movements, each of which sets a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to music. The first movement, 'Wandrers Nachtlied II,' is a setting of Goethe's poem of the same name. The poem describes the beauty of the night and the peace it brings to the wanderer. Valen's music captures the serene mood of the poem with its gentle, flowing melody and delicate harmonies. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, allowing the voice to take center stage. The second movement, 'Harzreise im Winter,' is a setting of a section of Goethe's travelogue of the same name. The poem describes Goethe's journey through the Harz Mountains in winter and the harsh conditions he encountered. Valen's music reflects the rugged landscape and the bitter cold with its jagged rhythms and dissonant harmonies. The piano accompaniment is more prominent in this movement, providing a sense of urgency and momentum. Overall, Valen's 'Gedichte von Goethe (2), Op. 7' is a masterful example of his unique style, which combines elements of Romanticism and modernism. The cycle showcases his ability to capture the essence of a text through music and to create a powerful emotional impact with his compositions.

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