Composer

:

Anton Webern

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1904

Average_duration

:

1:15

Anton Webern's "Heiter" is the sixth of his "8 Early Songs," composed between 1901 and 1903. The premiere of the song cycle was in 1910, but it was not until 1929 that the songs were published as a set. "Heiter" is a brief song, lasting only about a minute, and is characterized by its light and cheerful mood. The text, written by Richard Dehmel, describes a carefree and joyful moment in nature, with the speaker observing the beauty of the world around them. The song is structured in a simple ABA form, with the opening and closing sections featuring a lilting melody in the upper voice, accompanied by a gentle, flowing accompaniment in the piano. The middle section, marked "etwas langsamer" (somewhat slower), features a more contemplative melody in the lower voice, with the piano providing a more static, chordal accompaniment. Like much of Webern's early work, "Heiter" is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, as well as its sparse textures and economy of means. The song is scored for voice and piano, with the piano part consisting of simple, diatonic harmonies that provide a delicate backdrop for the vocal line. Overall, "Heiter" is a charming and whimsical song that showcases Webern's early style and his ability to create evocative musical landscapes with a minimum of means.

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