Felix Mendelssohn
Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60
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Composer:Felix MendelssohnGenre:ChoralStyle:CantataCompose Date:Feb 13, 1832Publication Date:1844First Performance:Jan 10, 1833Average_duration:33:49Movement_count:8Movement ....Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60 is a choral cantata composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1832. The piece is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which tells the story of a group of Druids who are preparing to celebrate the pagan festival of Walpurgis Night. The cantata is divided into three movements and features a large choir, soloists, and orchestra. The premiere of Die Erste Walpurgisnacht took place in Berlin on August 2, 1833, and was conducted by the composer himself. The piece was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and has since become one of Mendelssohn's most popular works. The first movement of the cantata is a lively and energetic depiction of the Druids' preparations for the festival. The choir sings in unison, accompanied by a driving rhythm in the orchestra. The soloists then enter, singing a duet that describes the beauty of the natural world and the joy of the coming celebration. The second movement is a slower and more contemplative piece, in which the Druids reflect on the meaning of the festival and the importance of their pagan traditions. The choir sings in harmony, accompanied by a gentle melody in the orchestra. The soloists then enter, singing a trio that expresses their reverence for the natural world and their connection to the divine. The final movement is a triumphant and celebratory piece, in which the Druids gather together to perform their rituals and honor their gods. The choir sings in full voice, accompanied by a powerful orchestral accompaniment. The soloists then enter, singing a quartet that expresses their joy and gratitude for the blessings of the natural world. Overall, Die Erste Walpurgisnacht is a masterful work that showcases Mendelssohn's skill as a composer and his deep appreciation for the beauty and power of nature. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate orchestration, and powerful choral writing, and remains a beloved work of the choral repertoire to this day.More....
Works Music
Released Music
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10:43
Featured Music
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9:32
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
2. (Der Übergang zum Frühling). Allegro vivace non troppo (quasi l'istesso tempo) -
1:37
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
1. Ein Druide, Chor des Volks, Chor der Druiden und des Volks: Es lacht der Mai!. Allegro vivace non troppo (L'istesso tempo) - Die Flamme lodre durch den Rauch!. Allegro assai vivace -
4:14
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
2. Eine alte Frau aus dem Volke, Chor der Weiber aus dem Volke: Könnt ihr so verwegen handeln?. Allegretto non troppo -
2:13
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
3. Der Priester, Chor de Druiden: Wer Opfer heut. Andante maestoso - Più animato poco a poco - Der Priester: Vertheilt euch, wackre Männer, hier!. Recitativ -
1:57
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
4. Chor der Wächter der Druiden: Vertheilt euch, wackre Männer, hier. Allegro leggier -
1:42
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
5. Ein Wächter der Druiden: Diese dumpfen Pfaffenchristen. Recitativ - Andante - Recitativ - Ein Wächter der Druiden, Chor der Wächter der Druiden: Kommt! Mit Zacken und mit Gabeln. Allegro moderato -
2:10
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
6. Chor der Wächter der Druiden und des Heidenvolks: Kommt mit Zacken und mit Gabeln. Allegro molto -
4:22
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
7. L'istesso tempo - Der Priester, Chor der Druiden und des Heidenvolks: So weit gebracht. Andante maestoso -
3:4
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
8. Ein christlicher Wächter: Hilf, ach hilf mir, Kriegsgeselle!. Allegro non troppo - Chor der christlichen Wächter: Schreckliche verhexte Leiber. [ ] -
1:6
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The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60
9. Der Priester, Allgemeiner Chor der Druiden und des Heidenvolks: Die Flamme reinigt sich vom Rauch. Andante maestoso
2:33
Main Perform Artists
Baritone Vocal
Baritone Vocal
Tenor Vocal
Bass (Vocal)
Contralto Vocal
Bass Vocal