Composer

:

Hanns Eisler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Collection

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

4:57

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Hanns Eisler's 'Fünf Elegien' is a song cycle composed in 1942, with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht. The premiere of the work took place in 1943 in New York City, performed by Lotte Lenya and Eisler himself on piano. The cycle consists of five movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, 'An die Nachgeborenen' (To Those Born Later), is a powerful and emotional call to action, urging future generations to learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a better future. The music is intense and dramatic, with Eisler's piano accompaniment driving the urgency of the lyrics. The second movement, 'Legende von der Entstehung des Buches Taoteking auf dem Weg des Laotse in die Emigration' (Legend of the Origin of the Book Tao Te Ching on the Way of Lao Tzu into Exile), is a more subdued and contemplative piece. The music is gentle and flowing, with a sense of introspection and reflection. The third movement, 'Über den Selbstmord' (On Suicide), is a haunting and melancholy piece, with Eisler's piano providing a mournful backdrop to Brecht's stark and poignant lyrics. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of resignation and despair. The fourth movement, 'Die Ballade vom Wasserrad' (The Ballad of the Waterwheel), is a lively and energetic piece, with Eisler's piano driving the rhythm and momentum of the song. The lyrics tell the story of a waterwheel that works tirelessly, day and night, without rest or reward. The music is upbeat and optimistic, with a sense of determination and resilience. The final movement, 'An einen jungen Dichter' (To a Young Poet), is a gentle and encouraging piece, with Eisler's piano providing a supportive and nurturing accompaniment to Brecht's words of advice and inspiration. The music is tender and uplifting, with a sense of hope and possibility. Overall, 'Fünf Elegien' is a powerful and moving work, with Eisler's music perfectly complementing Brecht's lyrics. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and uplift, even in the darkest of times.

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