Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Jan 29, 1889

'Locken, haltet mich gefangen' is a song composed by Hugo Wolf in 1888. It is part of his collection of songs called 'Mörike-Lieder', which is based on the poems of Eduard Mörike. The song was premiered in Stuttgart, Germany in 1891. The song is in the key of F minor and has a moderate tempo. It consists of three movements, with the first and third being in F minor and the second in F major. The first movement is slow and melancholic, with a sense of longing and yearning. The second movement is more lively and playful, with a sense of joy and excitement. The third movement returns to the melancholic mood of the first, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The song is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and unease. The melody is often fragmented and unpredictable, with sudden shifts in rhythm and harmony. The piano accompaniment is also complex and virtuosic, with rapid arpeggios and intricate figurations. The lyrics of the song are about a man who is captivated by the beauty of a woman's hair. He is entranced by its golden color and its soft, flowing texture. He longs to be held captive by her hair, to be lost in its beauty forever. However, he knows that this is impossible, and he resigns himself to the fact that he must eventually let go. Overall, 'Locken, haltet mich gefangen' is a haunting and evocative song that captures the complex emotions of love and longing. Its intricate harmonies and virtuosic piano accompaniment make it a challenging and rewarding piece for performers and listeners alike.

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