Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Mar 1897

Average_duration

:

4:30

Hugo Wolf's 'Fühlt meine Seele (Michelangelo Lieder)' is a song cycle composed in 1897. The premiere of the work took place on January 23, 1898, in Vienna. The cycle consists of six songs, each based on a poem by Michelangelo Buonarroti, the famous Italian Renaissance artist and poet. The first song, 'Wohl denk' ich oft an mein vergangenes Leben,' is a contemplative piece that reflects on the fleeting nature of life. The second song, 'Alles endet, was entstehet,' is a mournful reflection on the inevitability of death. The third song, 'Fühlt meine Seele das ersehnte Licht,' is a hopeful piece that expresses the desire for spiritual enlightenment. The fourth song, 'Ein Ständchen Euch zu bringen herzlich ergeben,' is a playful and lighthearted serenade. The fifth song, 'Michelangelo, da Caravaggio,' is a dramatic and intense piece that reflects on the artist's struggles and triumphs. The final song, 'Von der Jugend,' is a nostalgic reflection on the joys of youth. The characteristics of the cycle are typical of Wolf's style, with rich harmonies and complex textures that reflect the emotional depth of the poetry. The songs are also notable for their use of chromaticism and dissonance, which add to the emotional intensity of the music. Overall, 'Fühlt meine Seele (Michelangelo Lieder)' is a powerful and moving song cycle that showcases Wolf's mastery of the art song form. Its premiere was a critical success, and it remains a beloved work in the classical repertoire to this day.

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