Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Mar 31, 1888

Average_duration

:

2:27

'Lebe wohl (Mörike Lieder)' is a song cycle composed by Hugo Wolf, a prominent Austrian composer of the late Romantic era. The cycle was composed in 1888 and premiered in Stuttgart, Germany, on October 18, 1891. It consists of six songs, each based on a poem by Eduard Mörike, a German poet of the Romantic era. The first song, "Der Genesene an die Hoffnung" (The Convalescent to Hope), is a joyful and optimistic piece that celebrates the return of health and vitality. The second song, "Erstes Liebeslied eines Mädchens" (First Love Song of a Maiden), is a tender and delicate piece that expresses the innocence and purity of first love. The third song, "Begegnung" (Encounter), is a dramatic and intense piece that describes a chance meeting between two former lovers. The fourth song, "Nimmersatte Liebe" (Insatiable Love), is a passionate and sensual piece that explores the darker side of love and desire. The fifth song, "An eine Äolsharfe" (To an Aeolian Harp), is a dreamy and ethereal piece that evokes the sound of a harp played by the wind. The final song, "Lebe wohl" (Farewell), is a poignant and melancholic piece that bids farewell to love and life. The characteristics of 'Lebe wohl (Mörike Lieder)' are typical of Wolf's style, which is characterized by its intense emotional expressiveness, rich harmonic language, and intricate piano accompaniments. The songs are highly lyrical and melodic, with a strong emphasis on the text and its emotional content. Overall, 'Lebe wohl (Mörike Lieder)' is a beautiful and powerful song cycle that showcases Wolf's mastery of the art song genre and his deep understanding of the human psyche. It remains a beloved and frequently performed work in the classical music repertoire.

More....