Composer

:

Arnold Schoenberg

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1900 - 1911

Average_duration

:

110:30

Movement_count

:

22

Movement ....

Arnold Schoenberg's 'Gurrelieder' is a large-scale cantata for soloists, chorus, and orchestra. It was composed between 1900 and 1911 and premiered in Vienna in 1913. The work is divided into three parts, each with multiple movements. Part I, titled "The Twilight of the Gods," sets the scene for the story of the work. It begins with an orchestral prelude that depicts the rising of the sun. The first movement, "Orchestral Prelude," is followed by "Nun dämpft die Dämm'rung jeden Ton," a song for the Wood Dove that sets the mood for the rest of the work. The next movement, "O, wenn des Mondes Strahlen," is a duet for Waldemar and Tove, the two main characters of the story. The movement is characterized by its lush harmonies and soaring melodies. The final movement of Part I, "Sterne jubeln," is a choral setting of a poem by Friedrich Nietzsche. It is a grand and triumphant piece that sets the stage for the drama to come. Part II, titled "The Wild Hunt," is the central section of the work. It begins with "Sitzt ein Vogel auf dem Leim," a song for the Fool that is full of humor and irony. The next movement, "Du wunderliche Tove!" is a solo for Waldemar that expresses his love for Tove. The following movement, "Der Schildwache Nachtlied," is a solo for the Watchman that is full of foreboding and tension. The next movement, "Herrgott, weisst du, was du tatest," is a solo for Waldemar that expresses his anger and despair at Tove's death. The final movement of Part II, "Holla! Waldhorn klingt im Tal," is a grand and dramatic choral setting of a poem by Jens Peter Jacobsen. It depicts the Wild Hunt as it rides through the night sky. Part III, titled "The Chorus of the Spirits," is the final section of the work. It begins with "Song of the Wood Dove," a solo for the Wood Dove that expresses her sorrow at the tragedy that has befallen Waldemar and Tove. The next movement, "Seht die Sonne," is a choral setting of a poem by Nietzsche that is full of hope and optimism. The final movement, "Soltane," is a grand and triumphant choral setting of a poem by Jacobsen. It depicts the spirits of the dead rising up to join the sun in the sky. Overall, 'Gurrelieder' is a monumental work that showcases Schoenberg's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create powerful and emotional music. The work is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and grand choral settings. It is a true masterpiece of the early 20th century.

More....