Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Jul 1899

Publication Date

:

1905

First Performance

:

Jan 29, 1905

Average_duration

:

8:55

"Revelge" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in 1899. It is part of his song cycle "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" (The Youth's Magic Horn), which is based on a collection of German folk poems. The premiere of "Revelge" took place in Vienna in 1901, with Mahler conducting. The song is set in a military context and depicts the horrors of war. The title "Revelge" means "Reveille" in German, which is the signal for soldiers to wake up and prepare for battle. The poem tells the story of a soldier who is awakened by the sound of the trumpet and is forced to leave his lover behind to go to war. The soldier is portrayed as a hero who is willing to sacrifice everything for his country, but the reality of war is brutal and unforgiving. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Marschmäßig" (in the style of a march) and is characterized by a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency. The second movement is marked "Etwas zurückhaltend" (somewhat restrained) and is more introspective, with a slower tempo and a more lyrical melody. The third movement is marked "Wild herausfahrend" (wildly driving) and is the most intense and dramatic of the three, with a frenzied tempo and a sense of chaos and desperation. Mahler's use of orchestration is particularly effective in "Revelge". The brass and percussion sections are prominent throughout the piece, creating a sense of military power and aggression. The use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies adds to the sense of unease and tension in the music. Overall, "Revelge" is a powerful and haunting depiction of the horrors of war. Mahler's use of music to convey the emotional and psychological impact of war is masterful, and the piece remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.

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