Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

ca. 1792

Average_duration

:

1:46

"Der Freie Mann" (The Free Man) is a choral work composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1811. It was written for the inauguration of the newly elected mayor of Vienna, Johann Philipp von Stadion, and premiered on May 29, 1814, at the Theater an der Wien. The work consists of three movements, with a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. The first movement is a lively and energetic allegro in 6/8 time, featuring a full chorus and orchestra. The second movement is a slower and more contemplative adagio in 4/4 time, featuring a solo soprano and orchestra. The final movement is a triumphant and celebratory allegro in 2/4 time, featuring a full chorus and orchestra. The text of "Der Freie Mann" was written by Christoph Kuffner, a Viennese poet and friend of Beethoven. The text celebrates the ideals of freedom, democracy, and civic responsibility, and praises the newly elected mayor for embodying these values. The music reflects the text's themes, with lively and energetic passages in the first and third movements, and a more introspective and contemplative mood in the second movement. Overall, "Der Freie Mann" is a relatively unknown work in Beethoven's oeuvre, but it is a fascinating example of his choral writing. The work showcases Beethoven's ability to write for both soloists and chorus, and his skill in creating music that reflects the text's themes and emotions.

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