Composer

:

Viktor Ullmann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1943

Viktor Ullmann's 'Chinesische Lieder (3)' is a song cycle composed in 1940. The premiere of the work took place in Prague in 1941. The cycle consists of three movements, each of which is based on a Chinese poem. The first movement is titled 'Der Einsame im Herbst' (The Lonely One in Autumn), the second is 'Der Herbstabend' (The Autumn Evening), and the third is 'Der Abschied' (The Farewell). The first movement, 'Der Einsame im Herbst', is a melancholic and introspective piece. The poem describes a lonely person wandering through the autumn landscape, reflecting on the passing of time and the transience of life. Ullmann's music captures the mood of the poem perfectly, with its slow and mournful melody and sparse accompaniment. The second movement, 'Der Herbstabend', is a more upbeat and lively piece. The poem describes the beauty of an autumn evening, with its golden light and rustling leaves. Ullmann's music is full of energy and movement, with a lively rhythm and a bright, sparkling melody. The third and final movement, 'Der Abschied', is a poignant and emotional piece. The poem describes a farewell between two lovers, with the speaker expressing their sadness at the parting. Ullmann's music is full of longing and sadness, with a slow and mournful melody and a simple, understated accompaniment. Overall, 'Chinesische Lieder (3)' is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Ullmann's skill as a composer. The cycle is characterized by its use of simple melodies and sparse accompaniment, which allow the beauty of the Chinese poems to shine through. Despite the tragic circumstances of Ullmann's life (he was later deported to Auschwitz and killed in 1944), his music remains a testament to his talent and his enduring legacy as a composer.

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