Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1948

Average_duration

:

4:49

"September" is a symphonic poem composed by Richard Strauss in 1945. It was premiered on September 9, 1945, in Vienna, Austria, by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of the composer himself. The piece is part of a larger work called "Four Last Songs," which Strauss composed in the last years of his life. "September" is the second movement of "Four Last Songs" and is based on a poem by Hermann Hesse. The poem describes the beauty of the autumn season and the melancholy that comes with the end of summer. Strauss's music captures the mood of the poem perfectly, with its lush harmonies and soaring melodies. The piece begins with a soft, mournful melody played by the strings. This melody is then taken up by the woodwinds and gradually builds in intensity as the brass and percussion join in. The music reaches a climax with a powerful brass fanfare, which is followed by a quiet, reflective coda. One of the most striking characteristics of "September" is its use of orchestration. Strauss was a master of orchestration, and he uses the full range of the orchestra to create a rich, colorful sound. The piece is scored for a large orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Strauss also uses a harp and a celesta to add shimmering, ethereal textures to the music. Another characteristic of "September" is its emotional depth. The music captures the bittersweet feeling of the end of summer and the beauty of the autumn season. The piece is both melancholy and uplifting, with moments of sadness and moments of joy. In conclusion, "September" is a beautiful and moving piece of music that captures the essence of the autumn season. Its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and masterful orchestration make it a masterpiece of the symphonic repertoire.

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