Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Cycle

Compose Date

:

1883 - 1885

Average_duration

:

16:40

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer) is a song cycle composed by Gustav Mahler in 1884-1885. The cycle consists of four songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The lyrics were written by Mahler himself, and they tell the story of a young man who has been rejected by his lover and is wandering through the countryside, seeking solace in nature. The premiere of Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen took place in Berlin in 1896, with the composer conducting. The cycle was an immediate success, and it has since become one of Mahler's most popular works. The first movement, "Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht" (When my sweetheart gets married), is a lively and upbeat song that contrasts sharply with the melancholy tone of the other movements. The second movement, "Ging heut' Morgen über's Feld" (I went this morning over the field), is a pastoral song that evokes the beauty of nature and the peace it can bring to a troubled soul. The third movement, "Ich hab' ein glühend Messer" (I have a glowing knife), is the most dramatic and intense of the cycle. It expresses the protagonist's despair and anger at his lover's rejection, and the music is full of sharp, jagged rhythms and dissonant harmonies. The final movement, "Die zwei blauen Augen" (The two blue eyes), is a hauntingly beautiful song that expresses the protagonist's longing for his lost love. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. Overall, Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen is a deeply personal and emotional work that reflects Mahler's own experiences of love and loss. The cycle is characterized by its richly expressive melodies, complex harmonies, and vivid orchestration, which combine to create a powerful and moving musical experience.

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