Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Nov 4, 1888

Average_duration

:

2:23

"Der Schäfer" is a song cycle composed by Hugo Wolf, based on poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The cycle was composed in 1888 and premiered in Vienna in 1890. It consists of six songs, each of which portrays a different aspect of the life of a shepherd. The first song, "Der Schäfer," sets the scene with a gentle, flowing melody that evokes the peaceful countryside. The second song, "Auf dem Hügel sitz ich spähend," is more lively and playful, with a sprightly melody that captures the joy of being a shepherd. The third song, "Mein Schatz ist nicht daheim," is a melancholy ballad that tells of the shepherd's longing for his absent lover. The fourth song, "Hört ihr nicht die Bäume rauschen," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that captures the eerie stillness of the forest at night. The fifth song, "Ein Ständchen Euch zu bringen kam ich hierher," is a lively serenade that the shepherd sings to his beloved. The final song, "Nun wandre, Maria," is a gentle lullaby that brings the cycle to a peaceful close. Throughout the cycle, Wolf's music perfectly captures the mood and emotion of Goethe's poetry. His melodies are lyrical and expressive, and his harmonies are rich and complex. The songs are also notable for their use of word painting, with the music perfectly reflecting the meaning of the text. Overall, "Der Schäfer" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases both Goethe's poetry and Wolf's musical genius. It remains a beloved work in the classical repertoire to this day.

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