Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Cycle

Compose Date

:

1948

Average_duration

:

21:14

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Richard Strauss composed his final work, "Vier letzte Lieder" (Four Last Songs), in 1948, just a year before his death. The work consists of four songs for soprano and orchestra, with lyrics by Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. The premiere of the work was given posthumously in 1950, with Kirsten Flagstad as the soloist and Wilhelm Furtwängler conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. The four movements of "Vier letzte Lieder" are titled "Frühling" (Spring), "September," "Beim Schlafengehen" (Going to Sleep), and "Im Abendrot" (At Sunset). Each movement reflects on the themes of life, death, and the passing of time, with a sense of acceptance and peacefulness. The first movement, "Frühling," is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. The music is light and joyful, with a sense of optimism and hope. The second movement, "September," reflects on the passing of summer and the approach of autumn. The music is more introspective and melancholy, with a sense of nostalgia and longing. The third movement, "Beim Schlafengehen," is a meditation on the end of life and the approach of death. The music is serene and contemplative, with a sense of acceptance and resignation. The final movement, "Im Abendrot," is a reflection on the beauty of nature and the passing of time. The music is peaceful and serene, with a sense of closure and finality. Overall, "Vier letzte Lieder" is a deeply moving and introspective work, reflecting on the themes of life, death, and the passing of time. The music is lush and lyrical, with a sense of beauty and transcendence. It is a fitting final work for one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.

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