Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1887 - 1890

Publication Date

:

1892

First Performance

:

Nov 13, 1907

Average_duration

:

1:10

"Starke Einbildungskraft" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in B flat major. It was composed in 1898 and premiered in Vienna in 1901. The song is part of Mahler's collection of songs called "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" (The Youth's Magic Horn), which is based on a collection of German folk poems. The song is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Sehr langsam und gedehnt" (Very slow and sustained) and is characterized by a mournful melody played by the strings. The second movement is marked "Sehr rasch und leidenschaftlich" (Very fast and passionate) and features a lively and energetic melody played by the woodwinds. The final movement is marked "Langsam" (Slowly) and is characterized by a haunting melody played by the strings. The song's title, "Starke Einbildungskraft," translates to "Strong Imagination" in English. The lyrics of the song describe a person with a vivid imagination who is able to see and experience things that others cannot. The song's melancholic melody and haunting harmonies reflect the sense of isolation and loneliness that the protagonist feels as a result of their unique perspective on the world. Overall, "Starke Einbildungskraft" is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that showcases Mahler's skill as a composer. Its melancholic melody and haunting harmonies make it a powerful and emotional work that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

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