Composer

:

Wilhelm Grosz

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

17:18

Bänkel und Balladen (4), Op. 31 is a song cycle composed by Wilhelm Grosz. The cycle was composed in 1925 and premiered in Vienna in the same year. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which is a setting of a different poem. The first movement, "Die Ballade vom Wasserrad," is a ballad about a water wheel. The music is characterized by a flowing, rhythmic accompaniment that evokes the motion of the water wheel. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The second movement, "Die Ballade vom Nachtwächter," is a ballad about a night watchman. The music is characterized by a dark, brooding atmosphere, with a slow, mournful vocal line that conveys the loneliness and isolation of the watchman's job. The third movement, "Die Ballade vom Schmied," is a ballad about a blacksmith. The music is characterized by a driving, rhythmic accompaniment that evokes the sound of the hammer on the anvil. The vocal line is powerful and declamatory, with a sense of strength and determination. The fourth and final movement, "Die Ballade vom Fischer," is a ballad about a fisherman. The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing accompaniment that evokes the motion of the water. The vocal line is tender and expressive, with a sense of longing and melancholy. Overall, Bänkel und Balladen (4), Op. 31 is a cycle of songs that showcases Grosz's skill as a composer of vocal music. The cycle is characterized by a variety of moods and styles, from the flowing lyricism of the first movement to the driving rhythm of the third. The cycle is a testament to Grosz's ability to capture the essence of a poem in music, and to create a powerful emotional impact through his compositions.

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