Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1881 - 1882

Publication Date

:

1883

Average_duration

:

15:11

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Franz Liszt's 'Von der Wiege bis zum Grabe' is a symphonic poem for orchestra, S. 107. It was composed in 1881 and premiered on November 24, 1882, in Budapest, Hungary. The title of the piece translates to "From the Cradle to the Grave," and it is a musical representation of the journey of life, from birth to death. The piece is divided into three movements, each representing a different stage of life. The first movement, "The Cradle," is a gentle and peaceful lullaby that represents the innocence and tranquility of childhood. The second movement, "The Struggle," is a more intense and dramatic section that represents the challenges and obstacles that one faces in life. The final movement, "The Grave," is a somber and reflective section that represents the end of life and the journey into the afterlife. The piece is characterized by Liszt's use of thematic transformation, a technique in which a musical theme is developed and transformed throughout the piece. This technique is particularly evident in the second movement, where the main theme is introduced and then developed and transformed throughout the section. Liszt also employs a wide range of orchestral colors and textures throughout the piece, using different instruments and combinations of instruments to create a rich and varied sound. The use of brass and percussion in the second movement, for example, creates a sense of tension and drama, while the use of strings and woodwinds in the first and third movements creates a more peaceful and reflective atmosphere. Overall, 'Von der Wiege bis zum Grabe' is a powerful and evocative piece of music that captures the journey of life in a deeply emotional and moving way.

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