Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Apr 1, 1890

Average_duration

:

3:36

'Geh', Geliebter, geh' jetzt!' is a song cycle composed by Hugo Wolf, based on poems from the 'Spanisches Liederbuch' by Emanuel Geibel and Paul Heyse. The cycle was composed in 1891 and premiered in the same year in Vienna. It consists of 44 songs, divided into two books, and is considered one of Wolf's most important works. The cycle is characterized by its intense emotional content, which is conveyed through the use of rich harmonies and complex textures. The poems deal with themes such as love, longing, and betrayal, and Wolf's music captures the nuances of these emotions with great sensitivity. The first book of the cycle consists of 22 songs, and the second book consists of 22 songs as well. The songs are not arranged in any particular order, and each one stands on its own as a self-contained work. The cycle is notable for its use of recurring motifs and themes, which create a sense of unity and coherence throughout the work. The first song in the cycle, 'Ach, wie lang die Seele schlummert', sets the tone for the entire work with its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics. Other notable songs in the cycle include 'Nun wandre, Maria', which features a beautiful melody and rich harmonies, and 'Wer sein holdes Lieb verloren', which is a powerful expression of grief and loss. Overall, 'Geh', Geliebter, geh' jetzt!' is a masterpiece of the art song genre, and a testament to Hugo Wolf's skill as a composer. Its emotional depth and musical complexity make it a challenging and rewarding work for both performers and listeners alike.

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