Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1877

Der Schwalben Heimkehr is a song cycle composed by Hugo Wolf in 1888. The premiere of the song cycle took place on January 22, 1889, in Vienna. The cycle consists of six songs, each of which is based on a poem by Eduard Mörike. The songs are written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The first song in the cycle is titled "Der Genesene an die Hoffnung" (The Convalescent to Hope). The song is in A major and is marked "Sehr mäßig bewegt" (Very moderately moving). The second song is titled "An die Geliebte" (To the Beloved). The song is in F major and is marked "Sehr innig und nicht zu rasch" (Very intimate and not too fast). The third song in the cycle is titled "Er ist's" (It is He). The song is in G major and is marked "Lebhaft" (Lively). The fourth song is titled "Begegnung" (Encounter). The song is in E-flat major and is marked "Sehr lebhaft" (Very lively). The fifth song in the cycle is titled "Der Gärtner" (The Gardener). The song is in D major and is marked "Sehr ruhig vorzutragen" (To be played very calmly). The final song in the cycle is titled "Auf ein altes Bild" (To an Old Picture). The song is in G minor and is marked "Sehr langsam und ausdrucksvoll" (Very slow and expressive). The characteristics of Der Schwalben Heimkehr are typical of Hugo Wolf's style. The songs are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and expressive use of the piano accompaniment. The songs are also notable for their use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text. Overall, Der Schwalben Heimkehr is a beautiful and expressive song cycle that showcases Hugo Wolf's mastery of the art song genre. The cycle is a testament to Wolf's ability to capture the essence of poetry in music and is a must-listen for fans of the art song.

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