Composer

:

Alban Berg

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1904 - 1905

Average_duration

:

1:42

Schattenleben is a composition by Alban Berg, a prominent Austrian composer of the early 20th century. The piece was composed in 1908 and premiered in Vienna in 1913. It is a work for voice and piano, and consists of three movements. The first movement, titled "Traumgekrönt," is characterized by its dreamlike quality. The piano accompaniment is ethereal and delicate, while the vocal line is lyrical and expressive. The text, written by the composer himself, is full of vivid imagery and metaphors, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The second movement, "Schmerz," is much more intense and dramatic. The piano accompaniment is forceful and dissonant, while the vocal line is anguished and tortured. The text, which deals with themes of pain and suffering, is delivered with great emotional intensity, making for a powerful and affecting performance. The final movement, "Am Strande," is a more subdued and introspective piece. The piano accompaniment is gentle and contemplative, while the vocal line is wistful and nostalgic. The text, which describes a scene by the sea, is full of longing and melancholy, creating a sense of bittersweet beauty. Overall, Schattenleben is a highly expressive and emotionally charged work, showcasing Berg's mastery of both vocal and instrumental composition. Its use of vivid imagery and metaphor, as well as its exploration of themes of pain, suffering, and longing, make it a powerful and affecting piece of music.

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