Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Canon

Compose Date

:

ca. 1820

Average_duration

:

0:36

"Tugend ist kein leerer Name" (Virtue is not an empty name) is a choral work composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1815. It is part of a collection of three choral works, WoO 181, which were composed for the Vienna Congress, a meeting of European leaders to discuss the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The premiere of "Tugend ist kein leerer Name" took place on November 29, 1815, at the Imperial Palace in Vienna. The work is composed of three movements, with a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. The first movement is a lively and energetic choral fugue, with the text "Tugend ist kein leerer Name" repeated throughout. The fugue is characterized by its complex counterpoint and rhythmic drive, and it showcases Beethoven's mastery of the choral form. The second movement is a slower and more contemplative aria for solo soprano, with the text "O Himmel, welch ein Augenblick" (Oh heaven, what a moment). The aria is accompanied by a simple and elegant piano accompaniment, and it features a soaring vocal line that expresses the beauty and wonder of the moment. The final movement is a triumphant choral setting of the text "Heil unserm Kaiser, Heil!" (Hail to our Emperor, hail!). The movement is characterized by its grandeur and majesty, with the choir and piano combining to create a powerful and uplifting sound. Overall, "Tugend ist kein leerer Name" is a testament to Beethoven's skill as a composer of choral music. The work showcases his ability to create complex and intricate counterpoint, as well as his talent for crafting melodies that are both beautiful and memorable. It is a fitting tribute to the ideals of virtue and honor that were celebrated at the Vienna Congress, and it remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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