Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1944

Publication Date

:

1982

First Performance

:

1944

Average_duration

:

3:28

Wie Lange Noch? is a song composed by Kurt Weill in 1944. It was premiered in New York City in the same year. The song is a part of Weill's larger work, the musical play "The Seven Deadly Sins," which was written in collaboration with Bertolt Brecht. The song is a solo piece sung by Anna, the main character of the play. It is a poignant and melancholic reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The lyrics, written by Brecht, are a series of questions that Anna asks herself, such as "How long will I still be able to see the sun?" and "How long will I still be able to hear the birds singing?" The music is characterized by Weill's signature blend of classical and popular styles. The song begins with a mournful trumpet solo, which is then joined by a simple piano accompaniment. The melody is haunting and melancholic, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own musical character. The first section is slow and mournful, with a sense of longing and sadness. The second section is more upbeat and rhythmic, with a sense of urgency and restlessness. The final section returns to the mournful tone of the opening, with a sense of finality and acceptance. Overall, Wie Lange Noch? is a powerful and moving piece of music that captures the essence of Weill's unique style. It is a testament to the enduring power of his music and his ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.

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