Composer

:

Carl Loewe

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:13

"Der heilige Franziskus" (The Holy Francis) is a song cycle composed by Carl Loewe in 1842. The premiere of the work took place in Berlin on December 14, 1842. The cycle consists of six movements, each depicting a different episode from the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The first movement, "Die Berufung" (The Calling), begins with a solemn introduction in the key of C minor. The melody is then taken up by the tenor soloist, who sings of Francis' decision to renounce his wealth and follow Christ. The movement ends with a triumphant chorus in C major. The second movement, "Die Stigmata" (The Stigmata), is a hauntingly beautiful aria in the key of A minor. The soloist sings of Francis' mystical experience of receiving the wounds of Christ on his own body. The third movement, "Die Predigt zu den Vögeln" (The Sermon to the Birds), is a lively and playful scherzo in the key of G major. The soloist imitates the chirping of birds as he sings of Francis' sermon to the feathered creatures. The fourth movement, "Die Rosen von Assisi" (The Roses of Assisi), is a gentle and lyrical aria in the key of E-flat major. The soloist sings of Francis' love for the flowers of his native town. The fifth movement, "Die Wundertaten" (The Miracles), is a dramatic recitative in the key of D minor. The soloist recounts the various miracles attributed to Francis during his lifetime. The final movement, "Der Tod des heiligen Franziskus" (The Death of St. Francis), is a solemn and meditative aria in the key of C minor. The soloist sings of Francis' peaceful passing into eternal life. Overall, "Der heilige Franziskus" is a masterful work of Romantic art song. Loewe's use of tonal color and expressive melody perfectly captures the spirit of St. Francis and his life of devotion to God.

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