Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Collection

Compose Date

:

Apr 23, 1896

Average_duration

:

1:31

Hugo Wolf's "Italienisches Liederbuch" is a collection of 46 songs that were composed between 1890 and 1896. The collection is based on translations of Italian poems by Paul Heyse and his wife, Maria. The songs are divided into two volumes, with the first volume consisting of 22 songs and the second volume consisting of 24 songs. One of the most famous songs from the collection is "O wüsstest du, wie viel ich deinetwegen," which is the 10th song in the first volume. The song is a love song that expresses the depth of the speaker's feelings for their beloved. The text is a translation of a poem by the Italian poet, Francesco Petrarca. The song is composed in a simple, strophic form, with each verse set to the same melody. The piano accompaniment is relatively simple, with a repeating pattern of arpeggios that provide a gentle, flowing backdrop for the singer's voice. The song is characterized by its expressive melody and emotional intensity. The opening phrase, "O wüsstest du, wie viel ich deinetwegen," is sung with a rising and falling melody that conveys the speaker's longing and desire. The melody then settles into a more contemplative mood for the remainder of the song, with occasional moments of heightened emotion. The song premiered in Vienna in 1892, with the composer accompanying the singer at the piano. It quickly became one of the most popular songs from the collection, and has since been performed and recorded by countless singers and pianists. Overall, "O wüsstest du, wie viel ich deinetwegen" is a beautiful and moving example of Hugo Wolf's artistry as a composer of lieder. Its emotional depth and expressive melody make it a timeless classic of the genre.

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