Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1900

Publication Date

:

1922

First Performance

:

Nov 28, 1922

Average_duration

:

2:43

"Du alte Mutter" is a song composed by Charles Ives in 1907. It was premiered in 1911 in New York City. The song is part of a collection of songs called "114 Songs," which Ives composed between 1894 and 1921. The song is written for voice and piano and has a playful and humorous character. It is a parody of a German folk song, with Ives using exaggerated German accents and phrases to create a comical effect. The lyrics are in German and tell the story of a mother who is scolding her son for his misbehavior. The song is divided into three movements, each with a different tempo and character. The first movement is marked "Allegro con spirito" and is fast-paced and lively. The second movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is slower and more lyrical. The third movement is marked "Allegro vivace" and is fast and energetic. The piano part is complex and virtuosic, with Ives using dissonant harmonies and unconventional rhythms to create a sense of chaos and humor. The vocal part is also challenging, with the singer required to navigate the difficult German text and the complex rhythms of the piano part. Overall, "Du alte Mutter" is a unique and entertaining piece of music that showcases Ives' innovative approach to composition. It is a testament to his ability to blend different musical styles and traditions to create something entirely new and original.

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