Composer

:

Hanns Eisler

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Song Collection

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

1:25

Hanns Eisler's "Hollywood-Elegie No. 7" is a composition that was written in 1942 during his time in Hollywood. The piece was premiered in 1943 by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Otto Klemperer. The elegy is a part of a larger cycle of Hollywood Elegies, which were written by Eisler during his time in the United States. The elegy is a single movement piece that is characterized by its somber and mournful tone. The piece is written for a large orchestra, and it features a slow and melancholic melody that is played by the strings. The melody is accompanied by a simple and repetitive rhythm that is played by the percussion section. The piece is notable for its use of dissonance and atonality, which were common features of Eisler's music. The dissonant harmonies and unconventional chord progressions create a sense of unease and tension that is reflective of the political and social climate of the time. The elegy is also notable for its use of text. The piece is based on a poem by Bertolt Brecht, who was a close collaborator of Eisler's. The poem, which is titled "An die Nachgeborenen" (To Those Born Later), is a reflection on the atrocities of World War II and a call to action for future generations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Overall, "Hollywood-Elegie No. 7" is a powerful and poignant composition that reflects the political and social turmoil of its time. Its use of dissonance, atonality, and text make it a unique and important work in Eisler's oeuvre.

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